Interplay of particle, nuclear and atomic physics in rare weak decays (original) (raw)
Neutrinoless double beta decay is a process where the nucleus serves as a laboratory to search for the mass and fundamental nature of the neutrino. Neutrinoless double electron capture (0vECEC) is the corresponding process with simultaneous capture of two atomic electrons that is mediated by the propagation of a massive Majorana neutrino. This process has recently attracted a lot of attention due to its potential huge enhancement by a resonance condition. The resonance condition is a conspiracy between the energy scales of the nuclear and atomic excitations. Experimental verification of the resonance calls for accurate measurements of atomic masses. The absolute mass scale of the neutrino can also be accessed through beta decays of small decay energy. In particular, the decays with ultra-low Q-values are of potential interest. Our studies suggest that the effects of atomic origin may introduce non-negligible, even dramatic effects on these low-Q-value decays.
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