Mn-54

Manganese-54 (Mn-54) is a radioactive isotope of manganese with a half-life of approximately 312 days. It decays by emitting gamma radiation, making it detectable through gamma spectrometry. Mn-54 is produced artificially in nuclear reactors, primarily through neutron activation of manganese-53 or natural manganese. Due to its radioactive properties and gamma emissions, it is used in various scientific and industrial applications.

Mn-54 is primarily used as a tracer in environmental and biological research. Its gamma emissions allow scientists to study the behavior and distribution of manganese in ecosystems, soil, and water systems. It is also used in corrosion studies to analyze the wear and degradation of materials in industrial processes. Additionally, Mn-54 serves as a calibration source for gamma-ray detection instruments in laboratories and nuclear facilities.

Mn-54 is not naturally occurring and is found only as a byproduct of neutron activation in reactors or in environments exposed to significant neutron flux, such as around nuclear power plants. It may also be present in trace amounts in contaminated areas following nuclear accidents.