Observation of Electromagnetic Radiation from Deexcitation of the {sup 229}Th Isomer

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1997 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.79.990· OSTI ID:548828

Irwin, G M ^[1]; Kim, K H ^[2]

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1. Department of Physics, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 83209 (United States)
2. Department of Physics, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina 27707 (United States)

Experimental measurements of ultraviolet and visible emission from two samples containing {sup 233}U suggest the deexcitation of a reported 3.5eV isomeric level in {sup 229}Th. The unique phenomenon of ultraviolet {gamma} -ray emission was observed from this level. Results are consistent with theoretical arguments suggesting that the nucleus can also deexcite via an inelastic electronic bridge mechanism. These observations indicate the exotic phenomenon of nuclear emission in the optical band, and open new areas of physics related to nuclear-atomic interaction. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

• OSTI ID: 548828
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Vol. 79, Issue 6; Other Information: PBD: Aug 1997
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
THORIUM 229
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
DE-EXCITATION
URANIUM 233
GAMMA SPECTROSCOPY
ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA
ISOMERS