The decay schemes of Y and Y and γ-rays observed in the decay of Y

Active yttrium was separated from ²³⁵U fission products and the decay of ⁹⁴Y, ⁹⁵Y and ⁹⁶Y to the levels of ⁹⁴Zr, ⁹⁵Zr and ⁹⁶Zr, respectively, has been studied with the aid of a 17 cm³ Ge(Li) detector. Gamma-ray energies and intensities were accurately determined. In the decay of ⁹⁴Y four new transitions at 1232.78 ± 0.35, 1324.97 ± 0.35, 1363.48 ± 0.35 and 2467.00 ± 2.75 keV were observed. The data obtained support the level scheme proposed for ⁹⁴Zr by Knight et al. and that deduced from more recent reaction data. Evidence supporting the location of the 0⁺ excited state at 1300 keV is presented. Branching ratios are calculated and a modified level scheme for ⁹⁴Zr is proposed. In the decay of ⁹⁵Y the energies of 13 γ-rays, previously identified with the decay of this nuclide, have been accurately measured and are presented in a partial level scheme for ⁹⁵Zr. The data obtained in this work support the level structure deduced from reaction data by Cohen and Chubinsky and by other workers. New γ-transitions at 550.10 ± 0.23, 1723.30 ± 0.90 and 1805.0 ± 1.0 keV were measured in the decay of ⁹⁶Y.