https://doi.org/10.1140/epja/i2007-10011-9
Regular Article - Nuclear Structure and Reactions
Alpha-decay half-life of 221Fr in different environments
1
PH Department, CERN, ISOLDE, CH-1211, Genéve 23, Switzerland
2
Institut for Fysik og Astronomi, Aarhus Universitet, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
3
Chalmers Tekniska Högskola, Fundamental Fysik, S-412 96, Göteborg, Sweden
* e-mail: henjep@phys.au.dk
Received:
30
January
2007
Accepted:
12
March
2007
Published online:
3
April
2007
A possible dependence of the alpha decay process on the solid-state environment of the decaying nucleus has been investigated by measuring the alpha-decay half-life of 221Fr at room temperature in different materials ( Au, W, Si and polyethylene). The change in half-life between the insulator Si and the metals Au/ W is found to be 0.30(17)% / 0.42(21)%, respectivly. Furthermore an improved value of 4.79(2)min was found for the absolute half-life of 221Fr.
PACS: 23.60.+e Alpha decay – / 21.10.Tg Lifetimes – / 27.90.+b 220≤A –
© Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag, 2007