samarium152

Samarium-152 is a radioactive isotope of the chemical element samarium, denoted as ¹⁵²Sm. It is characterized by its atomic number 62 and a mass number of 152, indicating it contains 62 protons and 90 neutrons in its nucleus. This isotope is notable for its use in medical and industrial applications due to its favorable radioactive decay properties.

Samarium-152 undergoes beta decay with a half-life of approximately 46.9 years, transforming into neodymium-152 (¹⁵²Nd) while emitting beta particles and gamma radiation. The gamma rays emitted during this decay process are particularly useful in medical imaging and radiotherapy. The energy levels of these gamma rays are well-suited for diagnostic purposes, such as in nuclear medicine procedures.

One of the primary applications of samarium-152 is in the production of medical radioisotopes for imaging and treatment. It is often used as a source of gamma radiation in calibration standards for gamma cameras and other nuclear medicine equipment. Additionally, samarium-152 has been explored in brachytherapy, a form of radiation therapy where radioactive sources are placed directly into or near the tumor.

Beyond medical applications, samarium-152 is also utilized in industrial settings for calibration and quality control of radiation detection instruments. Its predictable decay characteristics make it a reliable standard for ensuring the accuracy of gamma spectroscopy equipment.

Samarium-152 is produced artificially through neutron activation of samarium-151, a stable isotope found in small quantities in nature. The isotope is typically manufactured in nuclear reactors, where samarium-151 absorbs neutrons to form samarium-152. Due to its relatively long half-life, samarium-152 can be stored and transported more easily than shorter-lived isotopes, making it practical for various applications.