Nuclear Matrix Elements for Double-Beta Decay

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in nuclear-structure theory, focusing on ab initio calculations and the generator coordinate method, to improve understanding of double-beta decay and addresses the longstanding issue of axial-vector coupling renormalization.

Contribution

It introduces recent and future applications of ab initio methods and the generator coordinate method to double-beta decay analysis, and discusses plans to resolve the axial-vector coupling renormalization problem.

Findings

Progress in nuclear-structure theory enhances double-beta decay modeling

Application of ab initio calculations improves accuracy of nuclear matrix elements

Plans to address the renormalization of the axial-vector coupling constant

Abstract

Recent progress in nuclear-structure theory has been dramatic. I describe recent and future applications of ab initio calculations and the generator coordinate method to double-beta decay. I also briefly discuss the old and vexing problem of the renormalization of the weak nuclear axial-vector coupling constant "in medium" and plans to resolve it.