Search for $\alpha$ decay of naturally occurring Hf-nuclides using a Cs${}_2$HfCl${}_6$ scintillator

Abstract

Residual radioactive contaminants of a caesium hafnium chloride (Cs${}_2$HfCl${}_6$) crystal scintillator have been measured in a low background setup at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN, Italy. The total alpha activity of the detector is at the level of 7.8(3) mBq/kg. The results of direct studies of the $\alpha$ decay of naturally occurring Hf isotopes that have been performed using the "source=detector" approach are presented. In 2848 h of data taking, the $\alpha$ decay of ${}^{174}$Hf was observed with T${}_{1/2}=(7.0\pm 1.2)\times 10^{16}$ y.

arXiv commentAccepted for publication in Nuclear Physics, Section A

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