europium160

Europium-160 is a radioactive isotope of the chemical element europium (Eu) with mass number 160. It is not one of the two naturally occurring, stable europium isotopes (Eu-151 and Eu-153); Eu-160 is produced artificially through nuclear reactions.

It has 63 protons and 97 neutrons. The dominant decay mode is beta minus decay to gadolinium-160, accompanied by the emission of beta particles and gamma rays. This decay path leads to the stable isotope gadolinium-160. Some measurements have reported additional, smaller decay channels, but beta decay to Gd-160 is the primary route.

Production and discovery: Eu-160 is synthesized in nuclear reactors or accelerators via neutron capture on Eu-159, or by irradiation of suitable targets followed by radioactive decay steps that yield Eu-160. It is studied within nuclear science and radiochemical research to understand decay schemes and nuclear structure.

Nuclear data: Like other radionuclides, its precise half-life is determined experimentally and compiled in nuclear data libraries. Reported values can vary slightly between experiments and evaluations. Researchers identify Eu-160 using techniques such as gamma spectroscopy and beta counting to characterize its emissions and decay products.

Applications and safety: Because of its radioactivity, Eu-160 requires appropriate shielding, handling protocols, and regulatory controls. It is primarily referenced in scientific contexts—such as calibration, radiochemical investigations, and studies of europium decay schemes—rather than in routine commercial applications.