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ALPHA-DECAY STUDIES OF PROTACTINIUM ISOTOPES (thesis)

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4080328· OSTI ID:4080328
The alpha decay of Pa/sup 231/, Pa/sup 229/, Pa/sup 227/, and Ac/sup 223/ w as studied by an alpha-particle ---gamma-ray coincidence technique. A 180 deg double-focusing spectrograph or goldsilicon solid-state detectors for alpha analysis and a sodium iodide (Tl-activated) scintillation crystals for gamma-ray detection were used. The ground states of Pa/sup 227/ and Pa/sup 229/ are shown to be populated by 5.46- and 5.73-Mev alpha particles, respectively. The rotational bands populated in the decay of Pa/sup 231/ are interpreted as being based on octupole vibrational levels predicted by the Bohr -Mottelson strong- coupling model. Modified decay schemes are presented. It is suggested that in odd-proton nuclei, the permanent nuclear deformation starts closer to the closed shell than in the even-even nuclei. A new alpha group at 5.47 Mev is noted in the alpha decay of Ac/sup 233/. No rotational structure is observed in the levels populated. Evidence is presented for the presence of two additional levels populated in the alpha decay of Pa/sup 231/. 40 references. (auth)
Research Organization:
California. Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Radiation Lab. and California. Univ., Berkeley. Dept. of Chemistry
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
NSA Number:
NSA-18-009322
OSTI ID:
4080328
Report Number(s):
UCRL-11082
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English