Half-life measurement of 55Fe.

The half-life of 55Fe was determined experimentally and compared with literature values. A solid 55Fe source was prepared by electrodeposition and repeatedly measured in an X-ray detector at a constant, low solid angle. In total, more than six hundred measurements were performed over a period of ten months, corresponding to one third of the half-life. The experimental method and the corresponding uncertainty budget are presented. The result of 1005.2+/-1.4 days is slightly higher than the current recommended values.