Synthesis and characterization of 55Fe2O3 for the investigation of radioparagenesis

Abstract: In order to directly observe the effect of daughter product formation on the stability of a crystalline compound, 55Fe was produced at the Isotope Production Facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory. After purification, the metal was oxided to 55Fe2O3. Samples were loaded in diamond anvil cells, with neon as a pressure transmitting medium, and pressurized to pressures between 5 and 15 GPa. The samples were then characterized by synchrotron powder diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The present study serves as a reference for future studies, in which the formation of 55Mn2O3 from 55Fe2O3 by radioparagenesis will be explored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]