A radiochemical method of separation of {sup 203}Hg from {sup 181}Hf is described. The method involves separation by Dowex 50W- X 8, 100-200 mesh, cation exchange resin using 1 M hydrochloric acid as the eluant. The chemical yield for the separation of mercury is > 85% and the decontamination factor is >10{sup 4}. The {sup 181}Hf can be eluted from the column by 4 M HCl.
The 10.3-h /sup 165/Er, decaying by electron capture to stable /sup 165/Ho, offers an excellent promise for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine, especially in conjuction with multiwire proportional-counter cameras. Using an ultra-high-resolution Si(Li) photon spectrometer, L and K x-ray photon yields in /sup 165/Er decay have been measured. The ratio P/sub L//P/sub K/ of electron-capture probabilities in L and K shells is determined to be 0.196 +- 0.030, in good agreement with theory. Estimates of Auger electron yields and yields of very-low-energy electrons from Coster--Kronig transitions are presented. Levels of /sup 169/Er and /sup 171/Er radioactive impurities in the reactor-produced /sup 165/Er sample are experimentally determined. Whole-body dose estimates for /sup 165/Er are given. These compare favorably with /sup 99/Tc dose.
The 10.3-h "1"6"5Er, decaying by electron capture to stable "1"6"5Ho, offers an excellent promise for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine, especially in conjuction with multiwire proportional-counter cameras. Using an ultra-high-resolution Si(Li) photon spectrometer, L and K x-ray photon yields in "1"6"5Er decay have been measured. The ratio P/sub L//P/sub K/ of electron-capture probabilities in L and K shells is determined to be 0.196 +- 0.030, in good agreement with theory. Estimates of Auger electron yields and yields of very-low-energy electrons from Coster--Kronig transitions are presented. Levels of "1"6"9Er and "1"7"1Er radioactive impurities in the reactor-produced "1"6"5Er sample are experimentally determined. Whole-body dose estimates for "1"6"5Er are given. These compare favorably with "9"9Tc dose.