Back to Search
Start Over
Search for Oscillation of the Electron-Capture Decay Probability of $^{142}$Pm
- Source :
- Phys.Lett.B670:196-199,2008
- Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- We have searched for time modulation of the electron capture decay probability of $^{142}$Pm in an attempt to confirm a recent claim from a group at the Gesellschaft f\"{u}r Schwerionenforschung (GSI). We produced $^{142}$Pm via the $^{124}$Sn($^{23}$Na, 5n)$^{142}$Pm reaction at the Berkeley 88-Inch Cyclotron with a bombardment time short compared to the reported modulation period. Isotope selection by the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator is followed by implantation and a long period of monitoring the $^{142}$Nd K$_{\alpha}$ x-rays from the daughter. The decay time spectrum of the x-rays is well-described by a simple exponential and the measured half-life of 40.68(53) seconds is consistent with the accepted value. We observed no oscillatory modulation at the proposed frequency at a level 31 times smaller than that reported by Litvinov {\it et al.} (Phys. Lett. B 664 (2008) 162; arXiv:0801.2079 [nucl-ex]). A literature search for previous experiments that might have been sensitive to the reported modulation uncovered another example in $^{142}$Eu electron-capture decay. A reanalysis of the published data shows no oscillatory behavior.<br />Comment: 12 pages (double-spaced), 6 figures
- Subjects :
- Nuclear Experiment
Subjects
Details
- Database :
- arXiv
- Journal :
- Phys.Lett.B670:196-199,2008
- Publication Type :
- Report
- Accession number :
- edsarx.0807.0649
- Document Type :
- Working Paper
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physletb.2008.11.004