Identification of the new isotope241Bk.

A new neutron-deficient berkelium isotope²⁴¹Bk produced in the²³⁹Pu(⁶Li, 4 n) reaction has been identified using a gas-jet coupled on-line isotope separator. Cm K and L X-rays associated with the EC decay of²⁴¹Bk were observed in the mass-241 fraction, and three γ transitions were attributed to the EC decay of²⁴¹Bk through X-γ coincidences. The half-life of²⁴¹Bk was determined to be 4.6±0.4 min which is 1/2-1/4 of that of theoretical predictions. The half-life value and the observed γ transitions can be consistently explained as a consequence of the allowed EC transition of π7/2⁺[633] → ν7/2⁺[624]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]