A self-consistent evaluation of 242Cm alpha and gamma emission intensities

•Self-consistent evaluation of 242Cm alpha and γ-ray emission intensities performed.•Exact balance relationships were included in the evaluation procedure.•Experimental covariances were taken into account.•Uncertainties of evaluated intensities lower than ENDF/B-VII.1 and JEFF-3.1 values.•Correlations between some of the evaluated intensities are significant.

As a rule the evaluated decay data and their uncertainties reflect the current level of consistency of the experimental data as well as its shortage. However, if we assume a priori that the structure of the decay scheme is precisely established, the inclusion of the exact balance relationships in the evaluation procedure leads to lower uncertainties of the recommended data and strong correlations between some of the evaluated parameters. Such a self-consistent decay data evaluation was carried out using the 242Cm alpha decay as an example.