The half-life of 18F

The half-life of the positron-emitter (18)F has been measured by following the decay rate with three systems: ionization chambers, Ge detectors and coincidence with fast scintillators. The decay rate was measured for periods of time up to 9 half-lives. The combination of the results obtained with the three measuring systems gives a value of T(1/2)=1.82871 (18)h, in good agreement with recommended data and with an estimated uncertainty lower than any other previously reported value.