Now, a research team from the University of Cologne has taken important steps toward understanding technetium-98. This particular isotope of technetium (Tc) unlocks groundbreaking understandings about particle decay processes. Their pathbreaking research, published in the journal Physical Review C, validates a long-suspected atomic decay pathway. It’s a major find that adds a lot of color to the so-called “nuclear periodic table,” or chart of nuclides.
Technetium-98 primarily decays into stable ruthenium-98. Researchers found that in roughly 0.3 percent of cases, it changes to molybdenum-98 by way of electron capture. This work was significant for the first observation of electron capture decay. It told us a bit more about how this particular isotope behaves.
Questions regarding the decay pathway of technetium-98 started in the 1990s. For the longest time, scientists had theorized that it might be decaying through the process of electron capture. However, owing to the isotope’s incredibly restricted availability, only minuscule amounts are produced. The proof stayed out of reach till now. For their research, the team used around three grams of technetium-99, which includes very small amounts of technetium-98, namely 0.06 micrograms.
For their isotopic exchange experiments, the researchers used a 2.67 gram sample of K[99TcO4]. Later, in the second phase of measurements, the team measured these data at the Clover profiling station of the Institute of Nuclear Physics. During these 17 days of measurement, they registered nearly 40,000 electron capture decays. Specially designed lead shielding was instrumental to this extraordinary achievement. Above all, it was very effective at shutting down the brutal radiation background kicked out by technetium-99. This protective shielding made it possible for researchers to isolate the signal from technetium-98 more clearly than ever before.
The implications of this study go far beyond academic interest. Knowledge of the decay pathways, like that of technetium-98, helps bolster the overall understanding of how nuclear processes work. This upcoming experimental data will add new nuclear color to an already vibrant nuclear periodic table. Additionally, it opens the door for more research opportunities combining nuclear physics and its practical applications, like medical technology.