Radioactive decay data: powerful aids in medical diagnosis and therapy, analytical science and other applications

Abstract

Summary. Decay data are commonly used to characterise and quantify radioactive material, and provide an important means of understanding the properties and structure of the nucleus. Experimental measurement techniques are reviewed, with the emphasis placed on recent developments that represent a potential quantum leap in advancing our knowledge, particularly by means of γ -ray spectroscopy. A select number of internationally-accepted decay-data evaluations and compilations are also discussed in terms of their contents. Both energy and non-energy related applications require the input of well-defined decay data, and such activities have been reviewed. Various important decay-data issues are assessed, and note taken of any significant requirements for better quantified data.

Nuclear data for medical radionuclides

“…6], and good quality data are available, for example from Evaluated Nuclear Structure and Decay Data File (ENSDF), BNL, USA. Only occasionally in case of some emerging radionuclides small discrepancies are observed, e.g.…”