Nuclear half-life measurement using a fast oscilloscope

Abstract

Previous work in the field of the delayed coincidence method of measuring nuclear half lives is summarised. A description is given of the design and performance of a five channel coincidence unit constructed using a fast oscilloscope. The problems arising when this coincidence unit is used in conjunction with 'slow' scintillation detectors are described. A measurement is made of the 17 μsecond half-life in Ta181 and the result interpreted in the light of current nuclear theory.