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The half-life re-measured: consolidating the chronometer for events in the early Solar System
Nadine M Chiera1, Peter Sprung1, Yuri Amelin2
1Center of Nuclear Engineering and Science, Paul Scherrer Institut, Forschungsstrasse 111, Villigen-PSI, 5232, Switzerland.
Scientific Reports
|August 1, 2024
Summary
The half-life of the extinct radiolanthanide lanthanum-138 (La-138) was precisely re-determined using mass spectrometry and decay counting. This crucial geochronological and astrophysical isotope
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Geochemistry
- Astrophysics
Background:
- The radiolanthanide lanthanum-138 (La-138) is vital for geochronological and astrophysical applications.
- Previous half-life determinations for La-138 lacked comprehensive documentation of potential influencing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-determine the half-life of lanthanum-138 (La-138) with high precision.
- To meticulously document experimental procedures and identify potential artifacts in data analysis.
Main Methods:
- Combined application of high-precision mass spectrometry.
- Utilized advanced beta-decay counting techniques.
Main Results:
- The half-life of lanthanum-138 (La-138) was determined to be 92.0 ± 2.6 million years (Ma).
- An uncertainty coverage factor of 2 was applied.
Conclusions:
- The re-determined half-life of La-138 provides a more reliable value for geochronological and astrophysical models.
- Enhanced experimental transparency minimizes uncertainty in future applications.
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