Iron-55
Iron-55 (55Fe) is a radioactive isotope of iron with a nucleus containing 26 protons and 29 neutrons. It decays by electron capture to 55Mn and this process has a half-life of 2.737 years. The emitted X-rays can be used as an X-ray source for various scientific analysis methods, such as X-ray diffraction. 55Fe is also a source for Auger electrons, which are produced during the decay.
The K-alpha X-rays emitted by the 55Mn after the electron capture have been used as a laboratory source of X-rays in various X-ray scattering techniques. The advantages of the emitted X-rays are that they are monochromatic and are continuously produced over a years-long period. No electrical power is needed for this emission, which is ideal for portable X-ray instruments, such as X-ray fluorescence instruments.
Spectrum (Fullscreen)
10 minute measurement with a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) radiation detector.
Metadata
| Isotope: | Iron |
|---|---|
| Mass number: | 55 |
| Atomic number: | 26 |
| Neutron number: | 29 |
| … | … |
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