Search for double beta decay processes in 106Cd with the help of 106CdWO4 crystal scintillator

TL;DR

This study used a 106CdWO4 crystal scintillator to search for double beta decay processes in 106Cd, setting new half-life limits and exploring potential resonant enhancements, thereby advancing understanding of rare nuclear decay modes.

Contribution

First experimental search for double beta decay in 106Cd using a 106CdWO4 scintillator, establishing improved half-life limits and analyzing potential resonant effects.

Findings

New half-life limits for double beta processes in 106Cd

Constraints on resonant neutrinoless double electron captures

Assessment of radioactive contamination in the scintillator

Abstract

A search for the double beta processes in 106Cd was carried out at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy) with the help of a 106CdWO4 crystal scintillator (215 g) enriched in 106Cd up to 66%. After 6590 h of data taking, new improved half-life limits on the double beta processes in 106Cd were established at the level of 10^{19}-10^{21} yr; in particular, T_{1/2}(2\nu \epsilon \beta^+) > 2.1 10^{20} yr, T_{1/2}(2\nu 2\beta^+) > 4.3 10^{20} yr, and T_{1/2}(0\nu 2\epsilon) > 1.0 10^{21} yr. The resonant neutrinoless double electron captures to the 2718 keV, 2741 keV and 2748 keV excited states of 106Pd are restricted to T_{1/2}(0\nu 2K) > 4.3 10^{20} yr, T_{1/2}(0\nu KL1) > 9.5 10^{20} yr and T_{1/2}(0\nu KL3) > 4.3 10^{20} yr, respectively (all limits at 90% C.L.). A possible resonant enhancement of the 0\nu 2\epsilon processes is estimated in the framework of the QRPA approach. The radioactive contamination of the 106CdWO4 crystal scintillator is reported.