promethium145

Promethium-145 is a radioactive isotope of promethium, a rare earth metal with the atomic number 61. It is produced through the neutron irradiation of neodymium-144 in a nuclear reactor. Promethium-145 has a half-life of approximately 17.7 years, which means that half of any given sample will decay into a stable isotope of samarium-145 over this period. The primary mode of decay for promethium-145 is beta minus decay, where a neutron is converted into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. This process results in the emission of beta particles and gamma rays, making promethium-145 a useful source of radiation for various applications. Promethium-145 is used in portable X-ray devices, thickness gauges, and as a radiation source in industrial radiography. Its relatively long half-life and high specific activity make it suitable for these applications. However, due to its radioactivity, promethium-145 requires careful handling and disposal to minimize radiation exposure and environmental impact.