Half-life determination of short-lived nuclear levels in 237Np (59.54 keV), 233Pa (86.47 keV) and 227Ac (27.37 keV)

New half-life values for isomeric states in 237Np, 233Pa and 227Ac were measured by means of 4πα(LS)-γ coincidence counting with digital data acquisition. A careful assessment of uncertainties was carried out, and the new results are found to be much more precise than any previous measurement result. The half-lives were found to be T1/2Np237,E=59.54keV=67.86±0.09ns, T1/2Pa233,E=86.47keV=36.44±0.10ns and T1/2Ac227,E=27.37keV=38.56±0.15ns, respectively. A comprehensive study of literature data was undertaken for a new data evaluation that includes the results from this work. •Half-lives of short-lived nuclear levels in 237Np, 233Pa and 227Ac were measured.•Digital 4πα(LS)-γ coincidence counting was utilized.•Digitizer-based DAQ in combination with offline data analysis was used.•Comprehensive literature survey and evaluation of the half-life values were performed.