| Abstract: | A procedure using a complexing agent (NTA) in paper electromigration has been devised to achieve rapid separation of fission product lanthanum. This technique permits direct observation of the decay of the 42 sec 144La without interference from the radiation of other fission products. The γ-ray spectrum of 144La has been measured with a high-resolution Ge(Li) detector, and the following r-transitions were observed: 397, 434, 541, 586, 704, 734, 845, 951 and l,292keV. Their relative intensities were also determined. From the decay plots of the two strong photopeaks at 397 and 541 keV, the half-life of the 144La was determined as 42.4±0.6sec which is more accurate than that of 41±3sec previously reported. It is concluded that the separation procedure used in the present study can be adapted to the isolation of other short-lived fission products as well whenever their metal ions from the complexes by different values of the equilibrium constant. |
