Physics – High Energy Physics – High Energy Physics - Phenomenology
Scientific paper
2002-01-24
Mod.Phys.Lett.A16:2409-2420,2001
Physics
High Energy Physics
High Energy Physics - Phenomenology
14 pages, psfile, 7 figures, Published in Modern Physics Letters A, Vol. 16, No. 37 (2001) 2409-2420, World Scientific Publish
Scientific paper
10.1142/S0217732301005825
The data of the Heidelberg-Moscow double beta decay experiment for the measuring period August 1990 - May 2000 (54.9813 kg y or 723.44 molyears), published recently, are analyzed using the potential of the Bayesian method for low counting rates. First evidence for neutrinoless double beta decay is observed giving first evidence for lepton number violation. The evidence for this decay mode is 97% (2.2\sigma) with the Bayesian method, and 99.8% c.l. (3.1\sigma) with the method recommended by the Particle Data Group. The half-life of the process is found with the Bayesian method to be T_{1/2}^{0\nu} = (0.8 - 18.3) x 10^{25} y (95% c.l.) with a best value of 1.5 x 10^{25} y. The deduced value of the effective neutrino mass is, with the nuclear matrix elements from [Sta90,Tom91] < m >= (0.11 - 0.56) eV (95% c.l.), with a best value of 0.39 eV. Uncertainties in the nuclear matrix elements may widen the range given for the effective neutrino mass by at most a factor 2. Our observation which at the same time means evidence that the neutrino is a Majorana particle, will be of fundamental importance for neutrino physics. PACS. 14.69.Pq Neutrino mass and mixing; 23.40.Bw Weak-interaction and lepton (including neutrino) aspects 23.40.-s Beta decay; double beta decay; electron and muon capture.
Dietz Alexander
Harney Hanns L.
Klapdor-Kleingrothaus Hans Volker
Krivosheina Irina V.
No associations
LandOfFree
Evidence for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Evidence for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Evidence for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-341630