On the ²⁰⁹Po half-life error and its confirmation. An answer to the critique

Pomme et al. published a paper claiming that the ²⁰⁹Po half-life is 20 % higher than the erroneous value of 102 (5) a used for 50 years. Colle and Colle published a critique saying that 'this claim cannot withstand critical scrutiny'. In this work, counter arguments are presented to the critique. The experiment has been continued and a new intermediate half-life value of 122.7 (27) a was obtained. A brief review is made of the ²⁰⁹Po half-life value by Colle et al. and a recommended value of 122.9 (23) a is derived from both experiments. (author)