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High-precision α-induced cross sections and half-life measurements for terbium radioisotopes produced using natural europium

R. R. Trinder, Tz. Kokalova, C. Wheldon*, D. J. Parker, S. Pirrie, D. M. Hampel, B. Phoenix, P. Santa Rita Alcibia†, N. Curtis et al.

R. A. M. Allen and M. R. Griffiths

  • *Contact author: c.wheldon@bham.ac.uk
  • †Present address: Instituto de Física, Circuito de la Investigación Científica Ciudad Universitaria CP 04510 CDMX, México.
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Phys. Rev. C 113, 034620 – Published 27 March, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/d4hg-rgx3

Abstract

This paper reports on high-precision measurements of terbium half-lives and cross-section data using α beams on natural europium targets. Energy uncertainties have been minimized through accurate measurement of the α-beam energy and high-precision cross sections obtained by a combination of foil thickness characterization, two independent measurement and acquisition systems, and careful monitoring of the irradiated foils over at least four weeks. This has resulted in the most precise cross-section data to-date for natural europium targets with α beams in the 25–40 MeV range. talys-2.0 calculations have been performed, and comparisons made with other available cross-section data, with good agreement attained. Half-lives with increased precision for Tb152(g.s.), Tbm1152(g.s.), Tb153(g.s.), Tbm1154, Tbm2154, and Tb155(g.s.) are reported.

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Phys. Rev. C 113, 034620– Published 27 March, 2026
  • Received 4 October 2025
  • Accepted 27 February 2026
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