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The total internal conversion coefficient of the 279 keV transition following the decay of Hg203 as measured by a new coincidence method

Journal Article · · Canadian Journal of Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1139/p62-043· OSTI ID:4790029
Using a new coincidence method, the total internal conversion coefficient for the 279-kev transition following the BETA decay of Hg203 was measured with a standard deviation of about 1%. The method, which employs a 4 pi BETA - gamma coincidence arrangement, is based on the differential absorption of BETA particles and conversion electrons in 4 pi geometry. For determining the absolute efficiencies of gamma spectrometers or ion chambers, the method yields directiy the number of gamma quanta emitted per Hg203 disintegration, without requiring any knowledge of the K: L: M conversion ratios. Likely sources of systematic error were investigated and their effect is smaller than the quoted standard deviation. The value obtained is alpha = 0.2262 plus or minus 0.0019 or gamma / BETA = 0.8115 plus or minus 0.0015, agreeing with pectrometer measurements of Nijgh, et al. Widely differing values of conversion coefficients for this transition were reported previously. If the K/ (L + M + N) conversion ratio of 2.60 plus or minus 0.06 is combined with this total conversion coefficient, a value alpha K= 0.1633 plus or minus , 0.0017 is obtained.
Research Organization:
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., Chalk River, Ont.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-16-017075
OSTI ID:
4790029
Journal Information:
Canadian Journal of Physics, Journal Name: Canadian Journal of Physics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 40; ISSN 0008-4204
Publisher:
Canadian Science Publishing
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English