The neutron deficient americium isotope ${}^{236}$Am has been produced via the ${}^{235}$U${(}^6$Li, 5$n$) reaction. The reaction products were transported to an ion source of the on-line isotope separator (JAERI-ISOL) by a He/KCl aerosol jet transport system, and americium atoms were successfully ionized and mass-separated. Pu$K$ x rays associated with the EC decay of Am nuclei at the mass fraction of 236 were observed, indicating the definite identification of ${}^{236}$Am. The half-life of ${}^{236}$Am is determined to be 4.4$\pm$0.8 min and the production cross section is estimated to be about 70 $\mu$b.

• Received 21 November 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.57.2057