Ultra-sensitive detection of p-process nuclide 146Sm produced by (?, n), (p, 2n) and (n, 2n) reactions.

We are developing a technique of ultra-sensitive detection of the p-process 146Sm nuclide by accelerator mass spectrometry. 146Sm was produced via the reactions (g,n), (p,2ne) and (n,2n) on 147Sm. Preliminary results demonstrate for the first time the capability of identifying unambiguously 146Sm through separation and discrimination of its stable 146Nd isobar and other background ions. We consider applying the detection method to an independent determination of 146Sm half-life and to the measurements of cross sections of low-energy nuclear reactions producing long-lived nuclides in the vicinity of 146Sm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]