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Updated: May 5, 2026

Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
Published on: May 3, 2019
Long-term performances of the ⁹⁵ZR/⁹⁵Nb chronometer for nuclear events dating
G Douysset1, G Le Petit1, P Gross1
1CEA, DAM, DIF, F-91297 Arpajon, France.
Abstract:
The present work reports on a long-term analysis of the performances of the (95)Zr/(95)Nb chronometer for dating a nuclear event. Taking benefit of a recent Profiency Test Exercise, a sample containing a standardized mixture of fission products has been measured repeatedly with a low background HPGe spectrometer during a period extending up to one year with the aim of assessing the accuracy of the various zero-time determinations. Evaluation of the uncertainties associated to these evaluations was performed using a Monte Carlo approach. Input parameters sensitivity has been investigated, especially the influence of the (95m)Nb decay branch. The (95)Zr/(95)Nb chronometer was found to be accurate for zero-time determination within one day and one week for a decay of 3 months and 10 months respectively. Sub-day uncertainties are achievable for a two months old sample whereas sub-week uncertainties are reached after a decay of six months. Limitations of the technique for dating a real event are investigated.
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