Benchmarking nuclear matrix elements of $0\nu\beta\beta$ decay with high-energy nuclear collisions

TL;DR

This paper proposes using high-energy nuclear collision observables, especially momentum correlations in the quark-gluon plasma, to benchmark and reduce uncertainties in nuclear matrix elements relevant for neutrinoless double beta decay experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach linking high-energy collision observables to nuclear matrix elements, enabling experimental benchmarking of theoretical NME calculations.

Findings

Strong correlations between NMEs and QGP features like spatial gradients.

Bayesian analysis combined with collision simulations reveals measurable NME-related signals.

Collider experiments can serve as platforms for NME validation.

Abstract

Reducing uncertainties in the nuclear matrix elements (NMEs) remains a critical challenge in designing and interpreting experiments aimed at discovering neutrinoless double beta ($0\nu\beta\beta$) decay. Here, we identify a class of observables, distinct from those employed in low-energy nuclear structure applications, that are strongly correlated with the NMEs: momentum correlations among hadrons produced in high-energy nuclear collisions. Focusing on the $^{150}$Nd$\rightarrow$$^{150}$Sm transition, we combine a Bayesian analysis of the structure of $^{150}$Nd with simulations of high-energy $^{150}$Nd+$^{150}$Nd collisions. We reveal prominent correlations between the NMEs and features of the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) formed in these processes, such as spatial gradients and anisotropies, which are accessible via collective flow measurements. Our findings demonstrate collider experiments involving $0\nu\beta\beta$ decay candidates as a platform for benchmarking theoretical predictions of the NMEs.