151Sm

151Sm (samarium-151) is a radioactive isotope of the element samarium (Z=62) with a mass number of 151. It is produced as a fission product in nuclear reactors and can be made by neutron irradiation of stable samarium isotopes. The isotope decays by beta-minus decay to europium-151 with a half-life of about 93 years. The decay is accompanied by gamma radiation, which enables its detection and quantification in samples.

151Sm does not occur naturally in meaningful quantities and is synthesized for research and potential medical applications. It has been investigated for use in targeted radiotherapy and as a radiotracer in biochemical studies, though it is not as commonly used as some other samarium isotopes.

Handling requires appropriate radiological controls and shielding. Its long half-life means long-term radiological considerations for storage and disposal, and standard safety protocols for beta-gamma emitters apply.

See also: samarium, radioisotopes, radiopharmaceuticals.