Accurate Q-Value for the ^{74}Se Double Electron Capture Decay

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2010 · Physics Letters B

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physletb.2009.12.052· OSTI ID:971230

Kolhinen, V. S. ^[1]; Elomaa, V. -V. ^[1]; Eronen, T. ^[1]; Hakala, J. ^[1]; Jokinen, A. ^[1]; Kortelainen, M. ^[2]; Suhonen, J. ^[1]; Aysto, J. ^[1]

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1. University of Jyvaskyla
2. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

The Q value of the neutrinoless double electron capture (0{nu}ECEC) decay of ^{74}Se was measured by using the JYFLTRAP Penning trap. The determined value is 1209.169(49) keV, which practically excludes the possibility of a complete energy degeneracy with the second 2^{+} state (1204-205(7) keV) of ^{74}Ge in a resoant 0{nu}ECEC decay. We have also computed the associated nuclear matrix element by using a microscopic nuclear model with realistic two-nucleon interactions. The computed matrix element is found to be quite small. The failure of the resonant condition, combined with the small nuclear matrix element and needed p-wave capture, suppresses the decay rate strongly and thus excludes ^{74}Se as a possible candidate to search for resonant 0{nu}ECEC processes.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: SC USDOE - Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 971230
• Journal Information: Physics Letters B, Journal Name: Physics Letters B Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 684
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
DECAY
Double electron capture decay
ELECTRON CAPTURE
ELECTRON CAPTURE DECAY
MATRIX ELEMENTS
NUCLEAR MATRIX
NUCLEAR MODELS
Penning trap
Q-VALUE
Q-value