Beam-based scenario for Am242m isomer depletion via nuclear excitation by electron capture

Abstract

Following the first experimental observation of $^{93m}\mathrm{Mo}$ isomer depletion via nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC), we consider another experimental scenario related to the $^{242m}\mathrm{Am}$ isomer for which the probability of the NEEC process is expected to be even higher than for the $^{93m}\mathrm{Mo}$ isomer. The optimum experimental conditions for the production and depletion of the $^{242m}\mathrm{Am}$ isomer in a beam-based scenario are discussed. The relevant beam-target reaction cross sections have been calculated striving to ensure effective production of the $^{242m}\mathrm{Am}$ isomer. Kinetic energies required for the NEEC process to occur have been predicted for the $n=5$, 6, and 7 subshells of $^{242m}\mathrm{Am}$ ions and combined with available ion charge states at subsequent stages of the ion stopping process. The NEEC resonance strengths have been estimated for the partial contributions of individual subshells to the whole NEEC process.