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Transplutonium elements in thermonuclear test debris

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev.; (United States)
The isotopes of curium, berkelium and californium found in the thermonuclear debris of the November 1952 thermonuclear test are discussed. The instantaneous buildup of the heavy elements in the thermonuclear device is compared with the buildup during pile irradiation. The alpha-particle energy (5.4 MeV) and the spontaneous fission half-life (< 1.2 x 10/sup 7/ years) of /sup 248/Cm are reported. The spontaneous fission half-life of /sup 254/Cf was found to be 55 days. No other mode of decay was observed for this isotope.
OSTI ID:
6861165
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev.; (United States) Vol. 102; ISSN PHRVA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English