Abstract
THE β-spectrum of tritium (1H3) is of particular interest because : (1) the relatively simple structure of the 1H3 nucleus makes it Well suited to a test of the Fermi theory of β-decay ; (2) the unusually low energy of the β-particles means that the shape of the spectrum near the upper limit is an extremely sensitive function of the rest mass of the neutrino if the Fermi theory is confirmed ; (3) a theoretical discrepancy1 exists between the half-life2 and the upper energy limit, as recently measured3 ; (4) the mass difference (1H3 – 2He3) can be accurately determined.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Rent or buy this article
Prices vary by article type
from$1.95
to$39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Konopinski, E. J., Phys. Rev., 72, 518 (1947).
Novick, A., Phys. Rev., 72, 972 (1947). Goldblatt, M., et al., Phys. Rev., 72, 973 (1947).
Watts, R. J., and Williams, D., Phys. Rev., 70, 640 (1946).
Compton, A. H., and Allison, S. K., "X-Rays" (Macmillan, 1936).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
CURRAN, S., ANGUS, J. & COCKCROFT, A. Beta Spectrum of Tritium. Nature 162, 302–303 (1948). https://doi.org/10.1038/162302a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/162302a0
This article is cited by
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.