Precise half-life measurement of the superallowedβ+emitter38Ca

The half-life of ${}^{46}$V has been measured to be 422.66(6) ms, which is a factor of two more precise than the best previous measurement. Our result is also consistent with the previous measurements, with no repeat of the disagreement recently encountered with ${Q}_{\mathrm{EC}}$ values measured for the same transition. The $\mathcal{F}t$ value for the ${}^{46}$V superallowed transition, incorporating all world data, is determined to be 3074.1(26) s, a result consistent with the average $\overline{\mathcal{F}t}$ value of 3072.08(79) s established from the 13 best-known superallowed transitions.