New generation of double beta decay experiments: are there any limitations?

TL;DR

This paper discusses the feasibility and limitations of next-generation neutrinoless double beta decay experiments aiming for extremely low neutrino mass sensitivity, emphasizing isotope production, background reduction, and detector resolution.

Contribution

It evaluates the practical constraints and identifies $^{130}$TeO$_2$ bolometers as the most promising technology for future experiments.

Findings

10 tons or more of enriched isotope needed

Background index should be ≤ 10^{-5}-10^{-6} c/kg·keV·y

Energy resolution should be 1-2%

Abstract

New generation experiments on search for neutrinoless double beta decay with sensitivity to effective Majorana neutrino mass on the level $\sim$ 3-5 meV is discussed. Possible restrictions at achievement of this purpose (possibility to produce big amount of enriched isotopes, possibility to reach very low background level, energy resolution and possible cost of experiments) are considered. It is shown that for realization of so ambitious project 10 tons (or more) of enriched isotope is required. Background index should be on the level $\le$ 10$^{-5}-10^{-6}$ c/kg$\cdot$ keV$\cdot$ y. Besides, the energy resolution of the detector should be not worse than 1-2%. It is shown that $^{130}$TeO$_2$ low temperature bolometer looks as the most realistic candidate for such experiments. Under some conditions experiments with $^{76}$Ge, $^{100}$Mo and $^{136}$Xe can be realized too.