Experimental proof of long-suspected atomic decay pathway provides new element to ‘nuclear periodic desk’

For the primary time, a analysis group from the College of Cologne has noticed the electron seize decay of technetium-98, an isotope of the chemical aspect technetium (Tc). Electron seize decay is a course of during which an atomic nucleus “captures” an electron from its internal shell. The electron merges with a proton within the nucleus to type a neutron, turning the aspect into a special one. The working group from the Nuclear Chemistry division has thus confirmed a decades-old theoretical assumption.

The findings contribute to a extra complete understanding of technetium decay processes and lengthen the chart of nuclides—the “nuclear periodic desk.” The examine was revealed below the title “Electron-capture decay of ⁹⁸Tc” within the journal Bodily Assessment C.

As early because the Nineteen Nineties, researchers suspected that technetium-98 may additionally decay by capturing an electron, however no proof might be discovered, because the isotope solely is out there in extraordinarily small portions. For the present examine, the Cologne analysis group used round three grams of technetium-99, which comprises tiny traces of the uncommon isotope technetium-98 (round 0.06 micrograms).

On the Clover measuring station of the Institute of Nuclear Physics, which detects attribute gamma rays, roughly 40,000 electron seize decays have been recorded inside 17 days. This success was achieved because of specifically designed lead shielding that nearly fully suppresses the extreme radiation background of technetium-99. Because of this, the researchers have been capable of clearly detect the extraordinarily uncommon sign of technetium-98 for the primary time.

The measurements confirmed that technetium-98 predominantly decays into the isotope ruthenium-98, however in round 0.3 % of instances it additionally transforms into molybdenum-98 through electron seize.

“For us, this represents a small but important contribution to the broader understanding of nuclear physics,” says group chief PD Dr. Erik Strub from the College of Cologne’s Division of Chemistry. “Such exact proof helps us higher perceive the soundness and construction of atomic nuclei and to steadily full the chart of nuclides piece by piece.”

The examine expands the elemental understanding of nuclear decay processes. In future work, the group goals to review comparable uncommon decay processes in neighboring nuclides to disclose systematic patterns within the chart of nuclides. Within the subsequent version of this map, a brand new crimson nook shall be added to the technetium-98 discipline to represent the newly confirmed decay pathway.