Isomeric transition

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Nuclear processes

Radioactive decay processes Alpha decay Beta decay Cluster decay Double beta decay Double electron capture Electron capture Gamma radiation Internal conversion Isomeric transition Neutron emission Positron emission Proton emission Spontaneous fission Nucleosynthesis Nuclear fusion Proton-proton chain reaction CNO cycle Triple-alpha process Carbon burning process Neon burning process Oxygen burning process Silicon burning process Neutron capture The R-process The S-process Proton capture: The P-process The Rp-process Spallation

Isomeric transition is a radioactive decay process that occurs in an atom where the nucleus is in an excited meta state (e.g. following the emission of an alpha or beta particle). The extra energy in the nucleus is released by the emission of a gamma ray, returning the nucleus to the ground state. This process is similar to a gamma emission but differs in that it involves excited meta-states.

The gamma-ray may transfer its energy directly to one of the most tightly bound electrons causing it to be ejected from the atom, a process termed internal conversion.