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In neutron capture the target atom captures a neutron. The new atom is radioactive and emits gamma photons or charged particles to produce the daughter nuclide (Figure 3.8). A gamma photon is emitted following capture of a thermal (slow) neutron. This reaction is written as

For example:

When the target atom captures a fast neutron a proton can be emitted. This capture reaction is sometimes referred to as transmutation and is symbolized as

For example:

A list of common medical nuclides and their methods of production, modes of decay, and decay products is provided in Appendix A.

Figure 3.8 Neutron capture by target nuclide placed in a reactor. Thermal (slow) neutron capture causes gamma emission (top), fast neutron capture results in proton emission (bottom).