Double beta decay search of 160Gd by PIKACHU experiment

Résumé fourni par la source

Although 160Gd is a double beta decay candidate, even the two-neutrino double beta decay (2ν2β) has not yet been observed. The PIKACHU experiment aims for the first observation of 2ν2β decay in 160Gd using GAGG single crystals. We have developed high-purity GAGG crystal with a background level at an order of magnitude lower than that of the commercial products. The PIKACHU experiment is planned in two stages: Phase 1, which aims to search for the 2ν2β decay with world-leading sensitivity, and Phase 2, which targets its direct observation. Data acquisition for Phase 1 began on December 1, 2024, and as of August 1, 2025, a total of 5,226 hours of data have been collected. Data taking and analysis are ongoing, together with parallel developments for Phase 2.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.