Double beta decay of /sup 82/Se

Journal Article · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Phys. Rev., C; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.22.2186· OSTI ID:5000497

Moe, M K; Lowenthal, D D

Pairs of negative beta particles have been observed originating from a /sup 82/Se source during a cloud-chamber search for double beta decay. Backgrounds recognized in previous experiments were suppressed to well below the observed event rate, and no other significant backgrounds are apparent. Within the limited statistics of the small data sample, the observed single-electron energy spectrum, the two-electron sum energy spectrum, and the opening angle distribution are consistent with expectation for neutrino-accompanied double beta decay of /sup 82/Se. The tentative assignment of the observed events to double beta decay, results in a /sup 82/Se half-life of (1.0 +- 0.4) x 10/sup 19/ years, in good agreement with some very recent theoretical predictions. However, the result is in serious disagreement with the much longer half-lives measured in geochemical experiments. A planned follow-up experiment is described.

• Research Organization: Physics Department, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92717
• OSTI ID: 5000497
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev., C; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev., C; (United States) Vol. 22:5; ISSN PRVCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

651622* -- Nuclear Properties & Reactions
A=59-89
Experimental-- Radioactive Decay-- (-1987)
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION
BETA DECAY
BETA-MINUS DECAY
CLOUD CHAMBERS
DECAY
DISTRIBUTION
ENERGY SPECTRA
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
GAMMA CASCADES
GAS TRACK DETECTORS
HALF-LIFE
INTERMEDIATE MASS NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NUCLEAR CASCADES
NUCLEI
RADIATION DETECTORS
SELENIUM 82
SELENIUM ISOTOPES
SPECTRA
STABLE ISOTOPES