THE DECAY OF NEPTUNIUM-238

>A study was made of the energy levels of Pu/sup 238/ which are populated by Np/sup 238/ beta decay, by an examination of the Np/sup 238/ conversion electron spectrum in high-resolution beta spectrographs. The general features of the level scheme as previously given were unchanged but several new transitions were observed, with energies of 119.8, 871, 943, 989, and 1034 kev. Two new levels are postulated at 915 and 1034 kev which accommodate all but the 943-kev transition. A possible assignment of the 943-kev transition to the (0+.0) state of the beta vibrational band is discussed. In addition, the weak 885-kev transition from the 2+ state of the gamma -vibrational band to the 4+ state of the ground band was seen and its relative intensity determined. Comparisons were made of the experimental relative transition intensities of the three photons depopulating this band with those predicted from the rules of Alaga et al.; only fair agreement was noted. A discussion is given of the beta decay branchings and log ft values of Np/sup 238/ decay in terms of the postulated characters of the Pu/sup 238/ states and the measured spin of Np/sup 238/. (auth