Multiple-Isotope Comparison for Determining Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay Mechanisms

Abstract

We present a technique for estimating the number of future neutrinoless double-beta decay results using several distinct nuclei to optimize the physics reach of upcoming experiments. We use presently available matrix element calculations and simulated sets of predicted neutrinoless double-beta decay measured rates in multiple isotopes to estimate the required precision and number of experiments to discern the underlying physics governing the mechanism of the process. Our results indicate that 3 (4) experimental results with total uncertainty (statistical, systematic, theoretical) of less than ~20% (~40%) can elucidate the underlying physics. If the theoretical (i.e. matrix element) uncertainty contribution is below ~18%, then 3-4 experimental results of ~20% precision (statistical and systematic) are required. These uncertainty goals can be taken as guidance for the upcoming theoretical and experimental programs.

18 pages, 3 figures

References in corpus (1)

• Erratum: Assessment of uncertainties in QRPA $0\nu \beta \beta$-decay nuclear matrix elements [Nucl. Phys. A 766, 107 (2006)]

Cited by in corpus (6)

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• Probing particle and nuclear physics models of neutrinoless double beta decay with different nuclei
• Double beta decay: experiments and theory review