Observation of Two-Neutrino Double-Beta Decay in ^136Xe: First EXO Results in the Search for the Neutrino-less decay
Jacques A. Farine
Laurentian University
The Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO) collaboration has observed the
two-neutrino double beta decay of ^136Xe with EXO-200, a prototype to
the EXO detector in development. This second order process, predicted
by the Standard Model, has been observed for several nuclei but not for
^136Xe. The observed decay rate provides new input to matrix element
calculations and to the search for the more interesting neutrino-less
double-beta decay, the most sensitive probe for the existence of Majorana
particles and the measurement of the neutrino mass scale.
The EXO-200 detector and underground site at WIPP, New Mexico, will be
presented, and the observation of the two-neutrino decay discussed. The
experimental efforts in the filed will be highlighted, with comments on
the calculations of nuclear matrix elements. The development of EXO will
be discussed: a multi-tonne detector with daugther ion identification as
a powerful background suppression tool, with SNOLAB a possible site.
Date: | Wednesday, 4 April 2012 |
Time: | 14:30 |
Where: | McGill University |
| Ernest Rutherford Physics Building, R.E. Bell Conference Room (room 103) |
Contact: | Robert Rutledge |
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