electron capture

British  

noun

1. Former name: K-capture.  the transformation of an atomic nucleus in which an electron from the atom is spontaneously absorbed into the nucleus. A proton is changed into a neutron, thereby reducing the atomic number by 1. A neutrino is emitted. The process may be detected by the consequent emission of the characteristic X-rays of the resultant element

2. the spontaneous or induced recombination of free electrons with ions or by transfer from other atoms or ions

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Example Sentences

Scientists first proposed this supernova-triggering electron capture mechanism in 1980, but it wasn’t actually observed until 2018 via telltale signatures in the light from a distant exploding star in another galaxy.

From Scientific American

The element’s abundance may allow researchers to distinguish between a “normal” core collapse and one triggered by electron capture.

From Scientific American

His most notable device was the electron capture detector, which ‘sniffed out’ traces of compounds in the air.

From Scientific American

In 1957, he hit on his most far-reaching invention: the electron capture detector, a portable device that looked a bit like a hose nozzle and could detect infinitesimal evidence of man-made chemicals such as pesticides.

From Washington Post

In 1969, using his electron capture device, Dr. Lovelock went on to find that man-made pollutants were the cause of smog.

From New York Times