Detection of very small neutrino masses in double-beta decay using laser tagging

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel quantum optics-based method for detecting extremely small neutrino masses through double-beta decay, utilizing laser tagging of barium ions to enhance sensitivity and suppress background noise.

Contribution

It introduces a new experimental technique combining laser tagging with radiation detection to improve sensitivity to Majorana neutrino masses down to 10 meV.

Findings

Potential to detect neutrino masses as low as 10 meV

Enhanced background suppression through atomic level specificity

Feasibility of laser-based ion detection in large TPCs

Abstract

We describe an approach to the study of neutrino masses that combines quantum optics techniques with radiation detectors to obtain unprecedented sensitivity. With it the search for Majorana neutrino masses down to $\sim$10 meV will become accessible. The experimental technique uses the possibility of individually detecting $\rm Ba^+$-ions in the final state of $\rm ^{136}Xe$ double-beta decay via resonant excitation with a set of lasers aimed at a specific location in a large Time Projection Chamber. The specificity of the atomic levels provides tagging and, together with more traditional event recognition parameters, greatly suppresses radioactive backgrounds.