Determination of 198Au X-rays emission probabilities

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Metrology
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• Accurate emission probabilities for radionuclides are essential for various applications, including nuclear metrology and radiation safety.
• Gold-198 ((198)Au) is a commonly used radioisotope with significant applications, necessitating precise decay data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally determine the K X-ray and gamma-ray emission probabilities per decay for (198)Au.
• To establish a reliable dataset for (198)Au decay, improving accuracy in related fields.

Main Methods:

• Radioactive (198)Au samples were produced via neutron activation of gold foils ((197)Au(n, gamma)(198)Au).
• Sample activity was quantified using a 4πβ-γ coincidence system, with the gamma window set at the 411.80 keV peak.
• Measurements were performed using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) planar spectrometer and a coaxial germanium-Electronics (REGe) spectrometer, both calibrated with standard sources.
• Monte Carlo simulations (MCNP4C and ESQUEMA) were employed to model spectrometer calibration and detection processes.

Main Results:

• Precise K X-ray and gamma-ray emission probabilities per decay for (198)Au were measured.
• The study validated experimental methods through rigorous calibration and simulation.
• The results provide an improved dataset for the decay of (198)Au.

Conclusions:

• The experimental measurements provide accurate K X-ray and gamma-ray emission probabilities for (198)Au.
• The findings contribute to the fundamental data required for nuclear metrology and applications involving (198)Au.
• The employed methodologies ensure the reliability and accuracy of the obtained decay probabilities.