DoppeltenBetaStreuung

DoppeltenBetaStreuung, also known as double beta decay, is a rare type of radioactive decay that occurs in certain atomic nuclei. In this process, two electrons are emitted from the nucleus, accompanied by two antineutrinos. This type of decay is significant in nuclear and particle physics as it provides insights into the fundamental properties of neutrinos and the nature of the weak nuclear force.

Double beta decay can occur in two main forms: neutrinoless double beta decay and two-neutrino double beta decay. In the latter, the decay is accompanied by the emission of two neutrinos, which carry away some of the energy released. This process is well understood and has been observed in several isotopes.

Neutrinoless double beta decay, however, is of particular interest because it would imply the violation of lepton number conservation, a fundamental principle in particle physics. If observed, it would provide evidence for the Majorana nature of neutrinos, which are their own antiparticles. This would have profound implications for our understanding of the universe, including the possibility of neutrinoless double beta decay being a source of dark matter.

Experimental searches for neutrinoless double beta decay are ongoing, using highly sensitive detectors to measure the extremely rare events. These experiments are challenging due to the low probability of the decay and the need to distinguish it from background radiation. Despite these challenges, the search for neutrinoless double beta decay continues to be a active area of research in nuclear and particle physics.