An algorithm for filtering detector instabilities in search of novel non-exponential decay and in conventional half-life determinations

G. W. Hitt, B. Goddard, A. A. Solodov, D. Bridi, A. F. Isakovic, R. El-Khazali

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent reports of Solar modulation of beta-decay have reignited interest in whether or not radioactive half-lives are constants. A numerical approach for filtering instrumental effects on residuals is developed, using correlations with atmospheric conditions recorded while counting 204Tl emissions with a Geiger-Müller counter. Half-life oscillations and detection efficiency oscillations can be separated provided their periods are substantially different. A partial uncertainty budget for the 204Tl half-life shows significant decreases to medium-frequency instabilities correlated with pressure and temperature, which suggests that further development may aid general improvements in half-life determinations.

Original languageBritish English
Pages (from-to)179-185
Number of pages7
JournalApplied Radiation and Isotopes
Volume127
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2017

Keywords

  • Tl
  • Beta decay
  • Decay rate fluctuations
  • Earth-Sun distance
  • Geiger-Müller tube
  • Half-life
  • Radioactivity
  • Total efficiency correction

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