The A=96 system in ββ decay

Abstract

Properties of the single and double beta decays of 96Zr are discussed. It is argued that the single beta decay can provide important information to the neutrinoless variant of β β decay, as it provides a test of theories aimed at calculating the nuclear matrix elements (NME) for both decays. An experimental extraction of the NME for the single β decay requires a measurement of the decay Q-value and half-life. It is shown that the present Q-value of the 96Zr single β decay is insufficiently well known and requires a re-measurement, preferentially using high-precision ion traps. We also describe the geochemical method to determine the total half-life of 96Zr, from which to set a limit on the single β -decay half-life at a level of ≈15 × 1019yr. Further, the geochemical analysis will allow setting a limit on a rather exotic quadruple β decay of 96Zr.