1. Direct determination of the $^{138}$La β-decay Q value using Penning trap mass spectrometry
- Author
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Sandler, R., Bollen, G., Dissanayake, J., Eibach, M., Gulyuz, K., Hamaker, A., Izzo, C., Mougeot, X., Puentes, D., Quarati, F. G. A., Redshaw, M., Ringle, R., Yandow, I., Central Michigan University (CMU), National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), Michigan State University [East Lansing], Michigan State University System-Michigan State University System, TRIUMF [Vancouver], Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel (LNHB), Département Métrologie Instrumentation & Information (DM2I), Laboratoire d'Intégration des Systèmes et des Technologies (LIST (CEA)), Direction de Recherche Technologique (CEA) (DRT (CEA)), Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Direction de Recherche Technologique (CEA) (DRT (CEA)), Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Université Paris-Saclay-Laboratoire d'Intégration des Systèmes et des Technologies (LIST (CEA)), Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Université Paris-Saclay-Département d'instrumentation Numérique (DIN (CEA-LIST)), Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Laboratoire d'Intégration des Systèmes et des Technologies (LIST), and Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA)-Université Paris-Saclay
- Subjects
instrumentation ,data decay measurement ,spectrum analysis ,[PHYS.NEXP]Physics [physics]/Nuclear Experiment [nucl-ex] ,Nuclear Structure ,spectrometry ,138Ba ,radioactivity ,138Ce ,forbidden decays ,beta-rays ,138La ,ionizing radiation ,Nuclear Experiment ,nuclear instrumentation ,mass spectrometry - Abstract
Background: The understanding and description of forbidden decays provides interesting challenges for nuclear theory. These calculations could help to test underlying nuclear models and interpret experimental data. Purpose: Compare a direct measurement of the $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay $Q$ value with the $\beta$-decay spectrum end-point energy measured by Quarati et al. using LaBr$_3$ detectors [Appl. Radiat. Isot. 108, 30 (2016)]. Use new precise measurements of the $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay and electron capture (EC) $Q$ values to improve theoretical calculations of the $\beta$-decay spectrum and EC probabilities. Method: High-precision Penning trap mass spectrometry was used to measure cyclotron frequency ratios of $^{138}$La, $^{138}$Ce and $^{138}$Ba ions from which $\beta$-decay and EC $Q$ values for $^{138}$La were obtained. Results: The $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay and EC $Q$ values were measured to be $Q$ = 1052.42(41) keV and $Q_{EC}$ = 1748.41(34) keV, improving the precision compared to the values obtained in the most recent atomic mass evaluation [Wang, et al., Chin. Phys. C 41, 030003 (2017)] by an order of magnitude. These results are used for improved calculations of the $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay shape factor and EC probabilities. New determinations for the $^{138}$Ce 2EC $Q$ value and the atomic masses of $^{138}$La, $^{138}$Ce, and $^{138}$Ba are also reported. Conclusion: The $^{138}$La $\beta$-decay $Q$ value measured by Quarati et al. is in excellent agreement with our new result, which is an order of magnitude more precise. Uncertainties in the shape factor calculations for $^{138}$La beta-decay using our new $Q$ value are reduced by an order of magnitude. Uncertainties in the EC probability ratios are also reduced and show improved agreement with experimental data., Comment: Nine pages, eight figures
- Published
- 2019