THE γ-RAYS OF THORIUM CC′

Abstract

At least two energy level schemes have been proposed for the ThC′ nucleus, which is excited in the β-disintegration ThCC′. That of Ellis (1933) includes three γ-rays of energies 0.726, 1.62, and 1.80 Mev., the 1.62 Mev. ray being doubtful. The level scheme of Latyschev and Kulchitsky (1940) has eight γ-rays including one of energy 2.2 Mev., for which no corresponding long-range α-particle group has been observed. The two level schemes lead to widely differing values for the total γ-ray energy of ThCC′. In the present investigation a value for the total γ-ray energy of ThCC′ has been obtained by measuring coincidences between the γ-rays of ThCC′ and the subsequently emitted α-particles of ThC′. It is shown that this value (0.14 Mev.) favors the level scheme of Ellis, including only the γ-rays of energy 0.726 and 1.80 Mev., and taking the former as electric quadrupole. It was found that under certain conditions the external bremsstrahlung excited by the β-rays of ThCC′ in the source-holder contributed appreciably to the coincidence rate. Precautions were taken to minimize this effect.