Alpha-decay half-life of Fr-221 in different environments

Journal article, 2007

A possible dependence of the alpha decay process on the solid-state environment of the decaying nucleus has been investigated by measuring the alpha-decay half-life of Fr-221 at room temperature in different materials (Au, W, Si and polyethylene). The change in half-life between the insulator Si and the metals Au/W is found to be 0.30(17)% / 0.42(21)%, respectivly. Furthermore an improved value of 4.79(2) min was found for the absolute half-life of Fr-221.