Accurate γ-ray spectrometry measurements of the half-life of 92Sr

An overestimation of 4.5% has been identified in this work, based on two independent methods. Specific γ-ray spectrometry measurements on activated fissile foils have been carried out, using two HPGe detectors. Influencing factors such as net area measurements of photopeaks, pulse pile-up accuracy and dead time corrections in the presence of decaying activity are discussed. A new value has been obtained by combining eight series of measurements: T1/2=2.594±0.006 h. The uncertainty has been reduced by a factor of two with respect to previous evaluations. This measured value also shows good agreement with the most recent studies of T1/2=2.627±0.009 h [Nir-El, Y., 2003. Private Communications. Soreq Research Centre, Yavne, Israel].