On the probability of double beta decay

Abstract

Double beta decay is discussed in relation to parity non-conservation. Two possible ways of neutrino-less double beta decay (allowed and forbidden) are investigated and the half-life of decay is calculated. For allowed transitions we obtain for Ca48 an estimatedT1/2=2×1019 years. The negative results of the experiments by Lukjanov et al., who give the valueT1/2=0.7×1019 years for the lower limit of the half-life of double beta decay of Ca48, cannot therefore be regarded as a definitive solution of the question, whether the neutrino is a Dirac or Majorana particle. Further study of double beta decay, aimed at finding higher values of the lower limit of half-life, are of considerable importance for theory.