Nuclear matrix elements for double-{\beta} decay

TL;DR

This paper calculates nuclear matrix elements for neutrinoless double-beta decay using the IBM-2 model, providing predictions for half-lives and neutrino mass limits across multiple isotopes, aiding the search for neutrino mass.

Contribution

It introduces detailed nuclear matrix element calculations for various isotopes using the IBM-2 model, improving the theoretical understanding of neutrinoless double-beta decay.

Findings

Calculated matrix elements for 15 isotopes.

Provided half-life predictions for different neutrino mass scenarios.

Set limits on neutrino masses based on current experimental data.

Abstract

Background: Direct determination of the neutrino mass through double-$\beta$ decay is at the present time one of the most important areas of experimental and theoretical research in nuclear and particle physics. Purpose: We calculate nuclear matrix elements for the extraction of the average neutrino mass in neutrinoless double-$\beta$ decay. Methods: The microscopic interacting boson model (IBM-2) is used. Results: Nuclear matrix elements in the closure approximation are calculated for $^{48}$Ca, $^{76}$Ge, $^{82}$Se, $^{96}$Zr, $^{100}$Mo, $^{110}$Pd, $^{116}$Cd, $^{124}$Sn, $^{128}$Te, $^{130}$Te, $^{148}$Nd, $^{150}$Nd, $^{154}$Sm, $^{160}$Gd, and $^{198}$Pt decay. Conclusions: Realistic predictions for the expected half-lives in neutrinoless double-$\beta$ decay with light and heavy neutrino exchange in terms of neutrino masses are made and limits are set from current experiments.