Lorentz violation effects in 2νββ decay

Abstract

Observable effects for the Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) at a low energy scale can also be investigated in double beta decay. For example, by comparing the theoretical predictions with a precise analysis of the summed energy spectra of electrons in 2νββ decay, one can constrain the coefficient that governs the time-like component of the Lorentz invariance violating operator that appears in the Standard Model extension theory. In this work, we perform calculations of the phase space factors (PSF) and summed energy spectra of electrons as well as of their deviations due to LIV necessary in such experimental investigations. The Fermi functions needed in the calculation are built up with exact electron wave functions obtained by numerically solving the Dirac equation in a realistic Coulomb-type potential with the inclusion of the finite nuclear size and screening effects. We compared our results with those used in previous LIV investigations that were obtained with approximate (analytical) Fermi functions and found differences of up to 30% for heavier nuclei. Our work includes eight experimentally interesting nuclei. Next, we estimate and discuss the uncertainties of our calculations associated with uncertainties in Q-values measurements and the differences raised from the inclusion of the kinematic terms in the formalism. Finally, we provide the ratio between the standard PSF and their LIV deviations and the energies where the LIV effects are expected to be maximal. We expect our study to be useful in the current LIV investigations in 2νββ decay and to lead to improved constraints on the coefficient.