Proton pair correlations and the neutrinoless double-β decay of 76Ge

Abstract

Proton pair correlations relevant for the neutrinoless double-β decay of 76Ge have been probed via the 74,76Ge(3He,n) reactions at 16 MeV. No evidence for pairing vibrations in either nucleus is observed at sensitivity limits of ∼6% and ∼19% of the ground-state strength in 76Se and 78Se, respectively. These results are relevant for the understanding of matrix elements for neutrinoless double-β decay. The lack of pairing vibrations is consistent with a simple BCS structure for the ground states of 76Ge and 76Se, assumed in quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA) models of the process. Show more