Direct proton decay of 0.56-s147Tm and search for this decay mode among very neutron-deficient isotopes with 53≦Z≦67

The earlier preliminary assignment of a 1,055±6 keV proton line to direct proton decay of¹⁴⁷Tm is supported by cross bombardment measurements and by a negative result from a positron-proton coincidence experiment. The half-life was remeasured to be 0.56 ±0.04s. For two types of thermal ion sources, overall efficiencies were estimated for on-line mass separation of known short-lived isotopes of promethium, europium, terbium, and holmium. Direct proton decay was searched for among very neutron-deficient isotopes of these elements, and of iodine and caesium. No evidence for direct proton decay was found. Based on estimated overall efficiencies, on calculated cross-sections, and on predictions from the gross-theory ofβ decay, half-life limits for direct proton decay were deduced.