LBL/UCSB Ge-76 double beta decay experiment - first results

Conference · Fri Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5647215

Goulding, F S; Cork, C P

Preliminary results of an experimental effort to detect the neutrinoless double-beta decay of Ge-76 are presented. The experimental apparatus, including eight 150-cu cm Ge detectors (total Ge mass 6.4 kg), 6-inch-thick NaI Compton shielding, OFHC copper enclosures and mountings, and electronics permitting unattended operation over long periods, is described in detail. The physical principles involved are reviewed; and the performance of the system in an above-ground laboratory using only one or four detectors is characterized and illustrated with graphs. A half-life limit of 4 x 10 to the 22nd yr at confidence level 68 percent is established for the double-beta decay on the basis of 1620 h of operation. The background in the range of interest (around 2.041 MeV) is estimated as 5 x 10 to the -6th counts/h keV cu cm (comparable to the 2 x 10 to the -6th counts/h keV cu cm typically reported for deep-underground facilities) and attributed mainly to prompt gamma rays from cosmic-ray-induced neutrons.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Berkeley
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 5647215
• Conference Information: Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States) Journal Volume: NS-32
• 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
BETA DECAY
BETA-MINUS DECAY
DECAY
DESIGN
DOUBLE BETA DECAY
ELECTRON EMISSION
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EMISSION
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
FERMIONS
GERMANIUM 76
GERMANIUM ISOTOPES
INTERMEDIATE MASS NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
LEPTONS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NEUTRINOS
NUCLEI
RADIATION DETECTORS
STABLE ISOTOPES