Beta decay and delayed proton emission of a new nuclide 59Zn

Abstract

The β + decay of a new nuclide 59Zn has been identified by β-delayed proton and γ-ray emission. Two γ-rays and 15 proton groups have been associated with the decay of 59Zn. The total proton branching ratio was measured to be (2.3 ± 0.8) × 10 −4. A half-life of 210 ± 20 ms was measured for 59Zn. The superallowed β-branch to its mirror, the J π = 3 2 − ground state of 59Cu, was shown to be (93 ± 3)%. Absolute log ft values for β-transitions associated with the observed delayed proton groups were calculated and an experimental β-transition strength function was obtained.