On the influence of the atomic electrons on the?-decay of U-235m

Abstract

Theγ-decay probability is represented by a perturbation expansion, the higher-order correction terms implying manifold multiple-interactions between nucleus and electromagnetic field, but also between field and atomic electrons (virtual intermediate processes). The energy conservation applies only to the initial and final states of the system nucleus/field/electrons, thus the virtual processes may be resonant and nonresonant. As regards the virtual intermediate processes for theγ-decay, the present paper includes generalized virtual internal conversion (IC) processes together with theγ-quantum emission by virtual electron transitions. The intermediate electron states belong to the continuous as well as to the discrete spectrum. By reason of the extraordinarily favoured real IC of U-235m (73 eV; E3) the corrections mentioned yield contributions to theγ-decay constant to such a degree (factor 1.5×105) that theγ-decay takes place essentially owing to the mere presence of the atomic electrons. Therefore the IC coefficient amounts to 3.2×1015 instead of 4.8×1020 in usual approximation.