The β^-decay of²¹⁵Bi and a firm identification of²¹⁶Bi

Abstract

The beta decay of 215Bi and 216Bi isotopes has been studied by mass separation and nuclear spectroscopy methods using spallation reactions on thorium carbide. For the 7.7+or-0.2 min 215Bi activity the beta decay has been found to populate six of the 215Po levels known previously from the alpha decay of 219Rn. The 216Bi activity has been identified through its beta decay to 216Po, to the 550 keV level known already from the alpha decay of 220Rn and to a new level at 969 keV. Its half-life has been determined to be 3.6+or-0.4 min.