Researchers S. Ghinescu and S. Stoica from the National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering in Romania have published updated calculations of kinematic factors crucial for double-beta decay (DBD) experiments. Their work aims to improve the design and interpretation of these experiments, which are significant for understanding neutrino properties and exploring beyond-standard-model physics.
Double-beta decay is a rare nuclear process that can occur in certain isotopes. There are two types: two-neutrino double-beta decay ($2νββ$) and neutrinoless double-beta decay ($0νββ$). The latter is particularly interesting because it could provide evidence for physics beyond the standard model, potentially indicating that neutrinos are their own antiparticles. Accurate calculations of phase space factors (PSFs), electron energy spectra, and angular correlations are essential for maximizing the sensitivity of DBD experiments to potential signals and distinguishing between different decay modes.
In their study, Ghinescu and Stoica used an adapted Dirac-Hartree-Fock-Slater method to calculate updated PSFs for both $2νββ$ and $0νββ$ decay modes. This method incorporates important atomic features such as screening, finite nuclear size, exchange corrections, and phase shift effects. The researchers provided updated PSFs for a large number of DBD isotopes, calculated using both the closure approximation and the Taylor expansion method. They also discussed the impact of individual atomic corrections and compared their results with recent literature.
For the energy sector, particularly in nuclear energy research, understanding double-beta decay can contribute to the development of advanced nuclear technologies and the exploration of fundamental physics. The updated PSFs and kinematic factors provided by Ghinescu and Stoica can help improve the design and interpretation of DBD experiments, potentially leading to more accurate measurements and a deeper understanding of neutrino properties. This research was published in the journal Physical Review C.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.