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Updated: May 14, 2026

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Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
Published on: May 3, 2019
Decay data measurements on 213Bi using recoil atoms
Summary
Researchers precisely measured the half-life of Bismuth-213 (213Bi) to be 45.62 minutes. Alpha-spectrometry provided highly accurate data on its alpha emissions and branching factor.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Radiochemistry
Background:
- Accurate nuclear decay data is crucial for applications in nuclear medicine and physics.
- Bismuth-213 (213Bi) is a decay product of Actinium-225 (225Ac), relevant for targeted alpha therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely determine the half-life of 213Bi.
- To accurately measure the alpha emission energies and probabilities of 213Bi.
- To refine nuclear decay data for 213Bi.
Main Methods:
- Separation of 213Bi from a 225Ac source via recoil collection.
- Activity measurements using an ion-implanted planar Si detector in quasi-2π geometry.
- High-resolution alpha-spectrometry with a 0.4% of 4πsr solid angle.
Main Results:
- A new half-life value for 213Bi was determined as T1/2(213Bi) = 45.62 (6) minutes.
- Measured alpha peak energies for 213Bi were Eα,0 = 5878 (4) keV and Eα,1 = 5560 (4) keV.
- Relative alpha emission probabilities and the alpha branching factor were determined with higher accuracy than previously reported values.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a more accurate half-life for 213Bi.
- The refined alpha emission data and branching factor enhance the understanding of 213Bi decay properties.
- These precise data are valuable for dosimetry and therapeutic applications utilizing 213Bi.
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