Well-defined decay data are essential pre-requisites for the detection and accurate characterization of fissile radionuclides. The parameters of greatest relevance include actinide half-lives, branching fractions, and a-particle and y-ray energies and emission probabilities - their quantification to good accuracy provides the means of monitoring their presence, behaviour and transport in nuclear facilities as well as any clandestine movement and usage. A primary aim of the ongoing IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on "Updated Decay Data Library for Actinides" is the preparation of a dedicated database for a range of nuclear applications. As a consequence of recommendations made at recent IAEA-CRP meetings, measurements have been undertaken to determine specific decay data of the more inadequately defined radionuclides. A total absorption y-ray spectrometer (TAGS), based on a 25.4-cm diameter and 30.5-cm long Nal(Tl) well detector, is currently under development at Argonne National Laboratory. This system will be used in conjunction with the Californium Rare Ion Breeder Upgrade (CARIBU) of the ATLAS facility to elucidate the decay properties of neutron-rich fission products that are of direct relevance to the determination of residual decay heat from irradiated fuel over short cooling times in nuclear reactor cores.
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