A first search of excited states double beta and double electron capture decays of Pd110 and Pd102

TL;DR

This study searches for double beta decay and double electron capture in Pd-110 and Pd-102 isotopes into excited states, setting new half-life limits and providing the first measurements for Pd-102.

Contribution

First experimental limits on excited state double beta decay and electron capture in Pd-110 and Pd-102, including the inaugural measurements for Pd-102.

Findings

Half-life limit for 110Pd double beta decay: 5.89e19 years

Half-life limit for 102Pd double electron capture: 2.68e18 years

First measurements for 102Pd decay modes

Abstract

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 2{\nu}{\beta}{\beta} and 0{\nu}{\beta}{\beta} 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.