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Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh

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Published on: May 3, 2019

Evaluation of 234Th nuclear decay data.

Aurelian Luca¹

¹Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), Bucharest-Magurele, Romania. aluca@ifin.nipne.ro

Applied Radiation and Isotopes : Including Data, Instrumentation and Methods for Use in Agriculture, Industry and Medicine

|December 4, 2009

Summary

This study re-evaluates nuclear data for Thorium-234 (234Th) decay, a naturally occurring uranium-238 daughter. A new recommended emission probability for the main 63.3-keV gamma-ray is proposed, aiding accurate activity determination.

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Area of Science:

Nuclear Physics
Radiochemistry
Atomic and Molecular Physics

Background:

Thorium-234 (234Th) is a key naturally occurring radionuclide, originating from the decay chain of Uranium-238 (238U).
Accurate nuclear data for 234Th is crucial for various applications, including nuclear metrology and environmental monitoring.
Previous evaluations may contain uncertainties requiring updated characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

To perform a comprehensive new evaluation of the nuclear decay data for 234Th.
To identify and address challenges encountered during the data evaluation process.
To provide recommended values for key decay characteristics, including emission probabilities and energies.

Main Methods:

Systematic evaluation of experimental data from various sources.
Analysis of beta and gamma-ray transitions, internal conversion coefficients, and electron emissions.
Determination of half-life and emission probabilities for photons and electrons.
Assessment of uncertainties and potential sources of discrepancy.

Main Results:

A new recommended absolute emission probability of 3.75 (8)% for the prominent 63.3-keV gamma-ray from 234Th decay.
Updated evaluations for half-life, energies, and probabilities of various decay radiations (beta, gamma, X-rays, electrons).
Discussion of specific difficulties encountered in the evaluation, highlighting areas for future research.

Conclusions:

The updated nuclear data for 234Th decay provides a more reliable basis for its characterization.
The recommended 63.3-keV gamma-ray emission probability is vital for precise 234Th activity measurements.
Considerations for practical 234Th activity determination using gamma-ray spectrometry are enhanced by this evaluation.