Availability of nuclear decay data in electronic form, including beta spectra not previously published

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Medical Physics
• Radiation Dosimetry

Background:

• ICRP Publication 38 (1983) and MIRD Committee monograph (Weber et al. 1989) provided essential radionuclide data.
• Previously, this data was not fully accessible in a comprehensive electronic format.

Purpose of the Study:

• To make unabridged data on radionuclide radiation emissions and beta spectra available in electronic form.
• To provide a resource for researchers in radiation protection and medical physics.

Main Methods:

• Consolidated data from ICRP Publication 38 and the MIRD monograph into two electronic collections: 'ICRP38' (825 radionuclides) and 'MIRD' (242 radionuclides).
• Each collection includes a radiations data file (emitted radiations, types, energies, intensities) and a beta spectra data file (emission probability vs. kinetic energy).
• Developed a data extraction utility for personal computers.

Main Results:

• The 'ICRP38 collection' contains detailed radiation data for 825 radionuclides.
• The 'MIRD collection' provides data for 242 radionuclides.
• Both collections include comprehensive listings of emitted radiations, their energies, intensities, and beta spectra, with the data extraction utility.

Conclusions:

• The electronic availability of these comprehensive radionuclide data collections significantly enhances research capabilities in internal radiation dose assessment.
• These datasets are vital for accurate radiation shielding, dosimetry, and nuclear medicine applications.
• The data is accessible via the Radiation Shielding Information Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.