A search for double beta decay in sup 136 Xe with a time projection chamber

Thesis/Dissertation · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5316723

Wong, H T.K.

This thesis describes an experimental study of both the 0{nu} and 2{nu} double beta decay in {sup 136}Xe with a Time Projection Chamber (TPC). The excellent track reconstruction capability of the TPC enables powerful background rejection. The construction and performance of the TPC, as well as the experimental features for background control are described. The TPC with its lead shielding has been installed in the Gotthard Tunnel Underground Laboratory in May 1990. Results from early background measurements using 5 atm of xenon depleted in {sup 136}Xe are presented. Based on the background data, the projected sensitivities to the 0{nu} and 2{nu} modes with one year of run time in 60% enriched {sup 136}Xe are 3.2 {times} 10{sup 23} years and 1.2 {times} 10{sup 21} y ears, respectively. Both numbers represent an order of magnitude improvements over previous experiments. Adopting the nuclear matrix elements from Vogel, the 0{nu} sensitivity implies a Majorana neutrino mass parameter of 4.5 eV.

• Research Organization: California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena, CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5316723
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

663210* -- Ground-State Radioactivity-- (1992-)
663560 -- Nuclear Mass Ranges-- A=90-149-- (1992-)
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
BETA DECAY
BETA-MINUS DECAY
DECAY
DOUBLE BETA DECAY
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
FERMIONS
INTERMEDIATE MASS NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
LEPTONS
MAJORANA THEORY
MASS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
MATRIX ELEMENTS
NEUTRINOS
NUCLEAR DECAY
NUCLEI
PERFORMANCE
SHIELDING
STABLE ISOTOPES
TIME PROJECTION CHAMBERS
XENON 136
XENON ISOTOPES