Motivated by non-zero neutrino masses and the possibility of New Physics discovery, a number of experiments search for neutrinoless double beta decay. While hunting for this hypothetical nuclear process, a significant amount of two-neutrino double beta decay data has become available. Although these events are regarded and studied mostly as the background of neutrinoless double beta decay, they can be also used to probe physics beyond the Standard Model. In this paper we show how the presence of right-handed leptonic currents would affect the energy distribution and angular correlation of the outgoing electrons in two-neutrino double beta decay. Consequently, we estimate constraints imposed by currently available data on the existence of right-handed neutrino interactions without having to assume their nature. In this way our results complement the bounds coming from the non-observation of neutrinoless double beta decay as they limit also the exotic interactions of Dirac neutrinos. We perform a detailed calculation of two-neutrino double beta decay under the presence of exotic (axial-)vector currents and we demonstrate that current experimental searches can be competitive to existing limits.
The neutrinoless double beta decay is analyzed using a general Lorentz invariant effective Lagrangian for various decaying nuclei of current experimental interest: $^{76}$Ge, $^{82}$Se, $^{100}$Mo, $^{130}$Te, and $^{136}$Xe. We work out the half-lives and angular correlation coefficients of the outgoing electrons in several scenarios for new physics: the left-right symmetric models, the R-parity-violating SUSY and models with leptoquarks. The theoretical uncertainty in the nuclear matrix elements is discussed.
The physics potential of neutrinoless double beta decay is discussed. Furthermore, experimental considerations are presented as well as the current status of experiments. Finally an outlook towards the future, work on nuclear matrix elements and alternative processes is given.
Background of germanium and xenon detectors due to the elastic scattering of $^{8}B$ solar neutrinos on electrons have been calculated. The background is 4.6 \times $10^{-4}$ counts/(keV$\cdot t\cdot$y) that defines the sensitivity of double beta-decay experiments at a level $T^{0νββ}_{1/2} \approx 4\times$10^{27}$ {yr} and it corresponds to effective majorana mass $ \mid < m_{ν_e}>\mid \approx 23.5$ meV. This limit after a half of one year of measurements for 10 tons natural Xe detector will be obtained.
We review recent developments in double-beta decay, focusing on what can be learned about the three light neutrinos in future experiments. We examine the effects of uncertainties in already measured neutrino parameters and in calculated nuclear matrix elements on the interpretation of upcoming double-beta decay measurements. We then review a number of proposed experiments.
Neutrinoless double beta decay is a hypothetical radioactive process which, if observed, would prove the neutrino to be a Majorana fermion: a particle that is its own antiparticle. In this lecture mini-series I discuss the physics of Majorana fermions and the connection between the nature of neutrino mass and neutrinoless double beta decay. We review Dirac and Majorana spinors, discuss methods of distinguishing between Majorana and Dirac fermions, and derive in outline the connection between neutrino mass and double beta decay rates. We conclude by briefly summarizing the experimental landscap…
We use chiral interactions and several {\em ab initio} methods to compute the nuclear matrix elements (NMEs) for ground-state to ground-state double Gamow-Teller transitions in a range of isotopes, and explore the correlation of these NMEs with those for neutrinoless double beta decay produced by the exchange of a light Majorana neutrino. When all the NMEs of both isospin-conserving and isospin-changing transitions from the {\em ab initio} calculations are considered, the correlation is strong. For the experimentally relevant isospin-changing transitions by themselves, however, the correlation…
We assess how well next generation neutrinoless double beta decay and normal neutrino beta decay experiments can answer four fundamental questions. 1) If neutrinoless double beta decay searches do not detect a signal, and if the spectrum is known to be inverted hierarchy, can we conclude that neutrinos are Dirac particles? 2) If neutrinoless double beta decay searches are negative and a next generation ordinary beta decay experiment detects the neutrino mass scale, can we conclude that neutrinos are Dirac particles? 3) If neutrinoless double beta decay is observed with a large neutrino mass el…
We propose to use charged-current neutrino-nucleus interactions as a probe of the many virtual transitions involved in neutrinoless double-beta decay. By performing neutrino and anti-neutrino interaction studies on the initial and final nucleus respectively, one can get information on the two branches involved in the double-beta decay process. The measurement of such reactions could help to further constrain double-beta decay predictions on the half-lives.
Deviations from Lorentz and CPT invariance in the neutrino sector and their observable effects in double beta decay are studied. For two-neutrino double beta decay, a spectral distortion and its properties are characterized for different isotopes. Majorana couplings for Lorentz violation are studied and shown to trigger neutrinoless double beta decay even for negligible Majorana mass. Existing data are used to obtain first limits of $5 \times 10^{-9}$ for 18 individual coefficients and attainable sensitivities in current and future experiments are presented.
A measurement of neutrinoless double beta decay in one isotope does not allow to determine the underlying physics mechanism. We discuss the discrimination of mechanisms for neutrinoless double beta decay by comparing ratios of half life measurements for different isotopes. Six prominent examples for specific new physics contributions to neutrinoless double beta decay are analyzed. We find that the change in corresponding ratios of half lives varies from 60% for supersymmetric models up to a factor of 5-20 for extra-dimensional and left-right-symmetric mechanisms.
The potential of large scale Yb-loaded liquid scintillators as proposed for solar neutrino spectroscopy are investigated with respect to double beta decay. The potential for beta-beta- - decay of 176Yb as well as the beta+/EC - decay for 168Yb is discussed. Not only getting for the first time an experimental half-life limit on 176Yb - decay, this will even be at least comparable or better than existing ones from other isotopes. Also for the first time a realistic chance to detect beta+/EC - decay exists. Effects of MeV-neutrinos are discussed as well.
The detection of neutrinoless double-beta decay will establish the Majorana nature of neutrinos. In addition, if the nuclear matrix elements of this process are reliably known, the experimental lifetime will provide precious information about the absolute neutrino masses and hierarchy. I review the status of nuclear structure calculations for neutrinoless double-beta decay matrix elements, and discuss some key issues to be addressed in order to meet the demand for accurate nuclear matrix elements.
The motivation, present status, and future plans of the search for the neutrinoless double beta decay are reviewed. It is argued that, motivated by the recent observations of neutrino oscillations, there is a reasonable hope that neutrinoless double beta decay corresponding to the neutrino mass scale suggested by oscillations, <m_ν> of about 50 meV, actually exists. The challenges to achieve the sensitivity corresponding to this mass scale, and plans to overcome them, are described.
In rather general terms the long term perspective of double beta decay is discussed. All important experimental parameters are investigated as well as the status of nuclear matrix element issues. The link with other neutrino physics results and options to disentangle the underlying physics process are presented.
We review the potential to probe new physics with neutrinoless double beta decay $(A,Z) \to (A,Z+2) + 2 e^-$. Both the standard long-range light neutrino mechanism as well as short-range mechanisms mediated by heavy particles are discussed. We also stress aspects of the connection to lepton number violation at colliders and the implications for baryogenesis.
The study of neutrinoless double beta decay is of outmost importance for neutrino physics. It is considered to be the gold plated channel to probe the fundamental character of neutrinos and to determine the neutrino mass. From the experimental point about nine different isotopes are explored for the search. After a general introduction follows a short discussion on nuclear matrix element calculations and supportive measurements. The current experimental status of double beta searches is presented followed by a short discussion of the ideas and proposals for large scale experiments.
A search for double beta decays of the palladium isotopes 110Pd and 102Pd into excited states of their daughters was performed and first half-life limits for the 2νββ and 0νββ decays into first excited 0+ and 2+ states of 5.89e19 yr and 4.40e19 yr (95% CL) for the 110Pd decay were obtained. The half-life limits for the corresponding double electron capture transition of 102Pd are 7.64e18 yr and 2.68e18 yr (95% CL) respectively. These are the first measurements for 102Pd.
In a previous article [Phys. Rev. D 79, 053001 (2009)] we estimated the correlated uncertainties associated to the nuclear matrix elements (NME) of neutrinoless double beta decay (0 nu beta beta) within the quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA). Such estimates encompass recent independent calculations of NMEs, and can thus still provide a fair representation of the nuclear model uncertainties. In this context, we compare the claim of 0 nu beta beta decay in Ge-76 with recent negative results in Xe-136 and in other nuclei, and we infer the lifetime ranges allowed or excluded at 90% C.…
Neutrinoless double beta decay experiments constrain one combination of neutrino parameters, while cosmic surveys constrain another. This complementarity opens up an exciting range of possibilities. If neutrinos are Majorana particles, and the neutrino masses follow an inverted hierarchy, then the upcoming sets of both experiments will detect signals. The combined constraints will pin down not only the neutrino masses but also constrain one of the Majorana phases. If the hierarchy is normal, then a beta decay detection with the upcoming generation of experiments is unlikely, but cosmic surveys…
We discuss the contributions of higher order terms in weak Hamiltonian to the standard two-neutrino double beta decay. The formalism for the unique first forbidden transitions has been developed, and it is shown that they can alter the two-electron energy spectrum. Yet, their effect is too small to screen the detection of exotic neutrinoless double beta decays, which are candidates for testing the physics beyond the standard model.
Heavy neutrino potential for neutrinoless double beta decay is studied with focusing on its statistical property. The existence condition for heavy neutrinos is also presented. In particular sterile neutrinos are possible candidate for heavy nuetrinos. The statistics provide a gross view of understanding amplitude of constitutional components of the nuclear matrix element.
The connection of neutrino physics with neutrinoless double beta decay is reviewed. After presenting the current status of the PMNS matrix and the theoretical background of neutrino mass and lepton mixing, we will summarize the various implications of neutrino physics for double beta decay. The influence of light sterile neutrinos and other exotic modifications of the three neutrino picture is also discussed.
Neutrinoless double beta decay, if observed, could distinguish whether neutrino is a Dirac or a Majorana particle, and it could be used to determine the absolute scale of the neutrino masses. $^{136}$Xe is one of the most promising candidates for observing this rare event. However, until recently there were no positive result for the allowed and less rare two-neutrino double beta decay mode. The small nuclear matrix element associated with the small half-life represents a challenge for nuclear structure models used for its calculation. We report a new shell-model analysis of the two-neutrino d…
Nuclear double beta decay provides an extraordinarily broad potential to search for beyond Standard Model physics, probing already now the TeV scale, on which new physics should manifest itself. These possibilities are reviewed here.
Neutrinoless double beta decay can significantly help to shed light on the issue of non-zero neutrino mass, as observation of this lepton number violating process would imply neutrinos are Majorana particles. However, the underlying interaction does not have to be as simple as the standard neutrino mass mechanism. The entire variety of neutrinoless double beta decay mechanisms can be approached effectively. In this work we focus on a theoretical description of short-range effective contributions to neutrinoless double beta decay, which are equivalent to 9-dimensional effective operators incorp…
Neutrino potential for neutrinoless double beta decay is studied with focusing on its statistical property. The statistics provide a gross view of understanding amplitude of constitutional components of the nuclear matrix element.
The sensitivity for double beta decay studies of Xe-134 and Xe-124 is investigated assuming a potential large scale Xe experiment developed for dark matter searches depleted in Xe-136. The opportunity for an observation of the 2nu double beta decay of Xe-134 is explored for various scenarios. A positive observation should be possible for all calculated nuclear matrix elements. The detection of 2$ν$ ECEC of Xe-124 can be probed in all scenarios covering the theoretical predicted half-life uncertainties and a potential search for Xe-126 is discussed. The sensitivity to beta+/EC decay of Xe-124 i…
The background in the region of the Q-value for neutrinoless double beta decay of 76Ge has been investigated by different methods: Simulation with GEANT 4 of the HEIDELBERG-MOSCOW experiment, analysis of other Ge double beta experiments.Statistical features of the analysis at very low count rates are discussed.
In the minimal supersymmetric extension to the Standard Model, a non-zero lepton number violating coupling lambda'_111 predicts both neutrinoless double beta decay and resonant single slepton production at the LHC. We show that, in this case, if neutrinoless double beta decay is discovered in the next generation of experiments, there exist good prospects to observe single slepton production at the LHC. Neutrinoless double beta decay could otherwise result from a different source (such as a non-zero Majorana neutrino mass). Resonant single slepton production at the LHC can therefore discriminat…
It is firmly believed that a signal of neutrinoless double beta decay can unquestionably confirm the Majorana nature of neutrinos. However we notice that a Majorana neutrino mass induced after some neutrinoless double beta decay processes can be accidentally cancelled by another Majorana neutrino mass induced before any neutrinoless double beta decay processes. This realistic cancellation can simultaneously allow an observable neutrinoless double beta decay and a vanishing Majorana neutrino mass. In consequence a future discovery of neutrinoless double beta decay cannot fully rule out the poss…
We review the particle physics aspects of neutrino-less double beta decay. This process can be mediated by light massive Majorana neutrinos (standard interpretation) or by something else (non-standard interpretations). The physics potential of both interpretations is summarized and the consequences of future measurements or improved limits on the half-life of neutrino-less double beta decay are discussed. We try to cover all proposed alternative realizations of the decay, including light sterile neutrinos, supersymmetric or left-right symmetric theories, Majorons, and other exotic possibilitie…
We analyze the possibility of detection of cosmological relic neutrinos via neutrino capture on beta decaying nuclei. This reaction has no threshold in neutrino energy, which is crucial for searching for relic neutrinos possessing very low energies. We focus on tritium (3H) and rhenium (187Re) beta radioactive isotopes to be used in KATRIN and MARE experiments dedicated to measurement of the electron neutrino mass at sub-eV scale. We examine these experiments from the viewpoint of searching for the cosmological neutrinos via neutrino capture. We conclude that even with possible gravitational c…
We consider perturbative one loop QCD corrections to the light neutrino contribution to neutrinoless double beta decay and find large enhancement to the rate. QCD corrections also generate structures which mimic new physics contributions usually considered. Within some approximations, the net effect seem to almost saturate the experimental limits, and therefore seems to implt that this is all there is to neutrinoless double beta decay.
We propose searching for deep underground cavities of different densities in the Earth's crust using a long-baseline electron-antineutrino disappearance experiment, realized through a low-energy beta-beam with highly-enhanced luminosity. We focus on four cases: cavities with densities close to that of water, iron-banded formations, heavier mineral deposits, and regions of abnormal charge accumulation that have been posited to appear prior to the occurrence of an intense earthquake. The sensitivity to identify cavities attains confidence levels higher than $3σ$ and $5σ$ for exposures times of 3…
A class of discrete flavor-symmetry-based models predicts constrained neutrino mass matrix schemes that lead to specific neutrino mass sum-rules (MSR). We show how these theories may constrain the absolute scale of neutrino mass, leading in most of the cases to a lower bound on the neutrinoless double beta decay effective amplitude.
We investigate neutrino flux induced double beta transitions in targets built of Cd112, Cd114, Cd116 and O18 isotopes. In addition to known beta^- beta^- channel we consider new beta^- beta^+ and beta^- beta^+ gamma modes of the neutrino induced double beta process. A possibility of detection of the solar neutrinos via the induced double beta transitions of interest is discussed. We note that the beta^- part of the solar neutrino induced beta^- beta^+ process in O18 was already discussed in Ref. [9,10] in connection with a possible influence of high energy electron production of this origin on…
In the event of an observation of neutrinoless double beta decay, a relevant question would be: what lepton number violating physics is responsible for the decay? The exchange of Majorana neutrinos and/or supersymmetric particles may contribute. We point out that measurements of supersymmetric signals at the LHC, including single slepton production, could be used to help bound some supersymmetric processes contributing to neutrinoless double beta decay. LHC information about the supersymmetric spectrum could be combined with Bd-Bd bar mixing data in order to bound a competing neutrinoless doub…
Indirect support for the evidence of neutrinoless double beta decay reported recently, is obtained by analysis of other Ge double beta experiments, which yield independent information on the background in the region of Q_(beta-beta). Some statistical features as well as background simulations with GEANT 4 of the HEIDELBERG-MOSCOW experiment are discussed which disprove recent criticism.
A significant signal of neutrinoless double beta decay can be consistent with the existence of light quasi-Dirac neutrinos. To demonstrate this possibility, we consider a realistic model where the neutrino masses and the neutrinoless double beta decay can be simultaneously generated after a Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking.
Neutrinoless double beta decay is the most powerful tool to probe not only for Majorana neutrino masses but for lepton number violating physics in general. We discuss relations between lepton number violation, double beta decay and neutrino mass, review a general Lorentz invariant parametrization of the double beta decay rate, highlight a number of different new physics models showing how different mechanisms can trigger double beta decay, and finally discuss possibilities to discriminate and test these models and mechanisms in complementary experiments.
Inspired by the recent HEIDELBERG-MOSCOW double beta decay experiment, we discuss the neutrinoless double beta decay in the supersymmetric seesaw model. Our numerical analysis indicates that we can naturally explain the data of the observed neutrinoless double beta decay, as well as that of the solar and atmospheric neutrino experiments with at least one Majorana-like sneutrino of middle energy scale in the model.
We discuss the relation between the absolute neutrino mass scale, the effective mass measured in neutrinoless double beta decay, and the Majorana CP phases. Emphasis is placed on estimating the upper bound on the nuclear matrix element entering calculations of the double beta decay half life. Consequently, one of the Majorana CP phases can be constrained when combining the claimed evidence for neutrinoless double beta decay with the neutrino mass bound from cosmology.
We study the effective operators of the standard model fields which would yield an observable rate of neutrinoless double beta decay. We particularly focus on the possibility that neutrinoless double beta decay is dominantly induced by lepton-number-violating higher dimensional operators other than the Majorana neutrino mass. Our analysis can be applied to models in which neutrinoless double beta decay is induced either by a strong dynamics or by quantum gravity effects at a fundamental scale near the TeV scale as well as the conventional models in which neutrinoless double beta decay is induc…
Neutrinoless double beta decay is one of the most sensitive approaches in non-accelerator particle physics to take us into a regime of physics beyond the standard model. This article is a brief review of the experiments in search of neutrinoless double beta decay from 76Ge. Following a brief introduction of the process of double beta decay from 76Ge, the results of the very first experiments IGEX and Heidelberg-Moscow which give indications of the existence of possible neutrinoless double beta decay mode has been reviewed. Then ongoing efforts to substantiate the early findings are presented a…
The relation between neutrino oscillation parameters and neutrinoless double beta decay is studied, assuming normal and inverse hierarchies for Majorana neutrino masses. For normal hierarchy the crucial dependence on U_{e3} is explored. The link with tritium beta decay is also briefly discussed.
We argue three-flavour neutrino mixing. We consider the neutrinos as Majorana particles and see how the neutrinoless double beta decay constrains the neutrino mixing angles. Our formulation is widely valid and is applied to the neutrino oscillation experiment.
A brief overview is given of theoretical analyses with neutrinoless double beta decay experiments. Theoretical bounds on the ``observable'', <m>_betabeta, are presented. By using experimental bounds on <m>_betabeta, allowed regions are obtained on the m_l-cos{2theta_12} plane, where m_l stands for the lightest neutrino mass. It is shown that Majorana neutrinos can be excluded by combining possible results of future neutrinoless double beta decay and {}^3H beta decay experiments. A possibility to constrain one of two Majorana phases is discussed also.
The existing calculations of the nuclear matrix elements of the neutrinoless double beta-decay differ by about a factor three. This uncertainty prevents quantative interpretation of the results of experiments searching for this process. We suggest here that the observation of the neutrinoless double beta-decay of several nuclei in future experiments of could allow to test different calculations of the nuclear matrix elements through the direct comparison of them with the experimental data.
If the electron neutrino has an effective nonzero Majorana mass, then neutrinoless double beta decay will occur. However, the latter is possible also with a negligible neutrino mass. We show how this may happen in a simple model of scalar diquarks and dileptons. This possibility allows neutrino masses to be small and hierarchical, without conflicting with the possible experimental evidence of neutrinoless double beta decay.
The decay rate of neutrinoless double beta decay could be dominated by short-range diagrams involving heavy scalar particles ("topology-II" diagrams). Examples are diagrams with diquarks, leptoquarks or charged scalars. Here, we compare the discovery potential for lepton number violating signals at the LHC with constraints from dijet and leptoquark searches and the sensitivity of double beta decay experiments, using three example models. We note that already with 20/fb the LHC will test interesting parts of the parameter space of these models, not excluded by current limits on double beta deca…
In a class of left-right symmetric models for linear seesaw, a neutrinoless double beta decay induced by the left- and right-handed charged currents together will only depend on the breaking details of left-right and electroweak symmetries. This neutrinoless double beta decay can reach the experimental sensitivities if the right-handed charged gauge boson is below the 100 TeV scale.
Motivated by recent intensive experimental efforts on searching for neutrinoless double beta decays, we present a detailed quantitative analysis on the prospect of resolving neutrino mass ordering in the next generation $^{76}$Ge-type experiments.
We examine the pion realization of the short ranged supersymmetric (SUSY) mechanism of neutrinoless double beta decay. It originates from the R-parity violating quark-lepton interactions of the SUSY extensions of the standard model of the electroweak interactions. We argue that pions are dominant SUSY mediators in neutrinoless double beta decay. The corresponding nuclear matrix elements for various isotopes are calculated within the proton-neutron renormalized quasiparticle random phase approximation. We define those isotopes which are most sensitive to the SUSY signal and outlook the present …
We examine the constraints on the MNS lepton mixing matrix =66rom the present and future experimental data of the neutrino oscillation, tritium beta decay, and neutrinoless double beta decay for Majorana neutrinos. We show that the small mixing angle solutions for solar neutrino problem are disfavored for small averaged mass ($<m_ν>$) of neutrinoless double beta decay ($\leq 0.01$ eV) in the inverse neutrino mass hierarchy scenario. This is the case even in the normal mass hierarchy scenario except for very restrictive value of the averaged neutrino mass ($\bar{m_ν}$) of single beta decay. The…
We have examined Lorentz invariance and equivalence principle violations in the neutrino sector as manifested in neutrinoless double beta decay. We conclude that this rare decay cannot provide a useful view of these exotic processes.
The search for neutrinoless double beta decay and WIMP dark matter has a broad potential to test particle physics beyond the standard model. During the last years, the analysis of various contributions to the double beta decay rate by the Heidelberg group led, besides the most restrictive limit on the effective Majorana neutrino mass, to bounds on left-right-symmetric models, leptoquarks and supersymmetry. In a general framework bounds on arbitrary lepton number violating theories can be derived. Using double beta technology for direct dark matter detection, stringent limits on the spin-indepe…
