Double-β decays with the NEMO experiment: final results of NEMO-2 with various nuclei and status of NEMO-3

The NEMO-2 prototype, built for background measurements and located in the Fréjus Underground Laboratory (4800 m w.e.) has provided results with three ββ decay sources, ¹⁰⁰Mo, ¹¹⁶Cd and ⁸²Se with data accumulated over a total of 23000 h. Final results of ββ2ν half-lives measurements and limits on 0ν modes are given here. The NEMO-3 detector which will be able to accomodate sources of 10 kg is now under construction. The aim of the experiment is to reach a half-life measurement of 10²⁵y for ββ0ν decay, which corresponds to a Majorana neutrino mass of 0.1 eV for ¹⁰⁰Mo.     

Limits on the neutrino magnetic moment from solar neutrino experiments

If neutrinos have non-vanishing mass and non-vanishing magnetic moments, then electron neutrinos emitted in nuclear reactions in the solar interior may undergo flavour oscillations, spin precession or resonant spin-flavour precession. Assuming equal values for the magnetic moments of all neutrino flavours and using the data from Homestake and SuperKamiokande we obtain an upper limit on the neutrino magnetic moment and find μ_νe ≤ (2.2 − 2.3) × 10⁻¹⁰μ_B, within four standard solar models. We also point out that this limit may be further reduced if the detector threshold energy for the ν_e,χe⁻ scattering is decreased.     

KARMEN: Neutrino oscillation limits and new results with the upgrade

The neutrino experiment KARMEN is situated at the beam stop neutrino source ISIS which provides ν_μ's, ν_e's and from the π⁺−μ⁺-decay at rest. The oscillation channels ν_{μ → νe} and are investigated with a 56 t liquid scintillation calorimeter. No evidence for oscillations could be found with KARMEN, resulting in 90% CL exclusion limits of sin²(2Θ) < 8.5 · 10⁻³ ( ) and sin²(2Θ) < 4.0 · 10⁻² (ν_μ → ν_e) for Δm² > 100 eV². In 1996, the experiment has been upgraded by an additional veto counting system with a total coverage of 300 m². The new system allows the identification of cosmic muons in the vicinity of the detector. Vetoing these muons suppresses energetic neutrons from deep inelastic scattering of muons as well as from μ-capture by a factor of 40. Up to 1996, these neutrons represented the main background for oscillation search. The experimental sensitivity for will be significantly enhanced towards sin²(2Θ) 1.0 · 10⁻³ after a further measuring period of 2–3 years.     

Effects of superstrings in collisions

Superstring theory in d = 10 dimensions after Calabi—Yau compactification yields a minimum low-energy gauge group SU(3)_C × SU(2)_L × U(1)_Y × U(1)_E. The low-energy theory includes particles with the quantum numbers of 27 representations of E₆, each of which contains an extra neutrino ν^c conventionally called a “right-handed neutrino”. The contributions of ν and ν^c to through Z⁰ and Z_E mixing is calculated. Small contributions are found of the new right-handed neutrino and of the superstring boson Z_E to σ(e⁺e⁻ → γ + nothing).     

Neutrino mixing and see-saw mechanism

Models of neutrino masses are discussed capable of explaining in a natural way the maximal mixing between ν_μ and ν_τ observed by the Super-Kamiokande Collaboration. For three generations of leptons two classes of such models are found implying: a) Δm₂₃²Δm₁₂²≈Δm₁₃² and a small mixing between ν_e and the other two neutrinos, b) Δm₁₂²Δm₁₃²≈Δm₂₃² and a nearly maximal mixing for solar neutrino oscillations in vacuum.     

Radiative neutrino decays in very strong magnetic fields

The radiative decay ν_H → ν_L + γ of massive neutrinos is analyzed in the framework of the standard model with lepton mixing for very strong magnetic fields B B_cr = m²_e/e 4.14 × 10¹³ G. The analysis is based on the approximate decay amplitude obtained by Gvozdev et al. Numerical results as well as analytical approximations for the decay rate are obtained for energies of the initial neutrino below and above the electron-positron pair creation threshold 2m_e.     

Final results from the ντ appearance search in the NOMAD experiment

An updated analysis of the full NOMAD data corresponding to 1.35 × 10⁶ charged current interactions has been performed to search for neutrino oscillations through ν_τ appearance. This document updates the recently published results on the ν_μ → ν_τ and ν_μ → ν_e oscillations search in NOMAD [1] with a unified analysis of the hadronic channels.     

High-Resolution Infrared Spectroscopy of Methyl Isocyanide: The ν3, ν6, and ν7 + ν8 Bands

The vibration-rotation spectrum of methyl isocyanide (CH₃NC) has been recorded with the aid of a high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer in the region 1370 to 1560 cm⁻¹ containing the perpendicular band of the fundamental vibration ν₆ (species E), the weaker parallel band of the ν₃ (A₁) fundamental, and the perpendicular combination band ν₇ + ν₈ (E) enhanced by Fermi resonance with ν₆. Sixteen hundred seventy well-resolved lines were assigned to 15 subbands of ν₆, 6 subbands of ν₃, and 3 subbands of ν⁻₇ + ν⁻₈. A strong x, y-Coriolis resonance between ν₃ and ν₆ and Fermi resonance between ν^±₆ and the E component ν₇ + ν₈, as well as between ν₃ and the A_1,2 components ν^±₇ + ν₈, greatly affects the spectrum. Additional weaker anharmonic interaction of ν₆ with the ν₄ + 2ν²₈ combination and higher-order rotational interactions connecting the various states were also detected in the spectrum. All of these interactions have been incorporated into a 9 × 9 Hamiltonian matrix used for modeling the upper states of the observed transitions. A set of spectroscopic constants is reported for the upper states of the bands ν₃, ν₆, and ν₇ + ν₈ and for ν₄ + 2ν²₈ which reproduces the observed lines with an overall standard deviation of 0.0012 cm⁻¹.     

Non-standard neutrino interactions in the Zee–Babu model

We investigate non-standard neutrino interactions (NSIs) in the Zee–Babu model. The size of NSIs predicted by this model is obtained from a full scan over the parameter space, taking into account constraints from low-energy experiments such as searches for lepton flavor violation (LFV) and the requirement to obtain a viable neutrino mass matrix. The dependence on the scale of new physics as well as on the type of the neutrino mass hierarchy is discussed. We find that NSIs at the source of a future neutrino factory may be at an observable level in the ν_e→ν_τ and/or ν_μ→ν_τ channels. In particular, if the doubly charged scalar of the model has a mass in reach of the LHC and if the neutrino mass hierarchy is inverted, a highly predictive scenario is obtained with observable signals at the LHC, in upcoming neutrino oscillation experiments, in LFV processes, and for NSIs at a neutrino factory.     

Single and multi-photon events with missing energy in eecollisions at = 189 GeV

Single and multi-photon events with missing energy are analysed using data collected with the L3 detector at LEP at a centre-of-mass energy of 189 GeV, for a total of 176 pb of integrated luminosity. The cross section of the process e⁺e⁻ → γ(γ) is measured and the number of light neutrino flavours is determined to be N_ν=3.011±0.077 including lower energy data. Upper limits on cross sections of supersymmetric processes are set and interpretations in supersymmetric models provide improved limits on the masses of the lightest neutralino and the gravitino. Graviton-photon production in low scale gravity models with extra dimensions is searched for and limits on the energy scale of the model are set exceeding 1 TeV for two extra dimensions.     

Analysis of high resolution fourier transform and diode laser spectra of the ν9 band of ethane

Fourier transform measurements with an apodized apparatus function up to 0.002 cm⁻¹ are reported for the ν₉ band (ρ_u) of ethane in the 12-μm region, together with an integrated band strength obtained from intensity measurements on selected Q-branch lines recorded using a diode laser spectrometer. Since the ν₉ band falls in an atmospheric window, these data may be useful in studies of the ethane concentration in the atmosphere of Jupiter and other outer planets. Torsional splittings in the ν₉ level caused by a higher-order Coriolis interaction with the close lying 3ν₄ state (a_1u) have been analyzed in a global least squares fit of 2206 Fourier transform lines and 58 diode splittings to a molecular Hamiltonian containing 20 parameters, with a standard deviation of 0.35 × 10⁻³ cm⁻¹. Rotational levels of one component of the torsionally split 3ν₄ state cross interacting rotational levels of the ν₉ state for K = 17, and the spectrum is followed to K = 19 on the ^pP subband side to permit inclusion of ν₉ levels beyond this crossing. No transitions to 3ν₄ levels were observed. The theoretical treatment presented here makes use of standard symmetric top formalism and of the G₃₆^† double-group formalism for ethane.     

The Palo Verde reactor neutrino experiment a test for long baseline neutrino oscillations

Our collaboration has installed a long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona. 12 tons of Gd loaded liquid scintillator, in a segmented detector, are used to search for oscillations at 740 m distance to three reactors. The anti-neutrino capture on the proton serves as detection reaction. The experiment is expected to reach a sensitivity of Δm² > 1.3 · 10⁻³ eV² and sin²2Θ > 0.1. Our range of sensitivity is tuned to test the ν_μ ↔ ν_e solution of the atmospheric neutrino anomaly.     

Status of the CHORUS neutrino oscillation experiment

The CHORUS experiment is designed to search for ν_μ → ν_τ oscillation with a hybrid detector system containing 800 kg nuclear emulsions as target and vertex detector. Run I (320 000 recorded ν_μCC in 1994/5) and more than half of the run II (460 000 ν_μCC in 1996/7) data taking have been successfully completed. Approximately 80 000 events have been analyzed so far, searching for and τ⁻ → h⁻ (nπ⁰) ν_τ decays. No candidate has been found, leading to a limit sin² 2θ_μτ ≤ 4.5 10⁻³ for large Δm².     

Analysis of the Coriolis-coupled band system of ν5, ν2, and 2ν3 of methyl-d3 iodide

The Coriolis-coupled band system of ν₅, ν₂, and 2ν₃ of CD₃I was analyzed by making use of all of the experimental data now available. These data included the high-resolution infrared spectra, microwave spectra, and laser Stark spectra. The analysis gave values, more precise than before, of the spectroscopic constants for ν₅, ν₂, and 2ν₃ and the interaction constants. The determination of the rotational constant A for 2ν₃ gave a value for , with which all of the α^A constants for CD₃I have been completed. These α^A values were incorporated with the known value of A₆ to give a value for A₀.     

Yukawaon model in the quark sector and nearly tribimaximal neutrino mixing

For the purpose of deriving the observed nearly tribimaximal neutrino mixing, a possible yukawaon model in the quark sector is investigated. Five observable quantities (2 up-quark mass ratios and 3 neutrino mixing parameters sin²2θ_atm, tan²θ_solar and |U₁₃|) are excellently fitted by two parameters (one in the up-quark sector and another one in the right-handed Majorana neutrino sector).     

Status of the INR experiment on 2β decay of Cd

Measurements of ¹¹⁶Cd double beta decay with help of enriched¹¹⁶CdWO₄ crystal scintillator are in progress in the Solotvina Underground Laboratory. The last part of the exposition with the background rate less than 0.6 counts/y·kg·keV (in the region of interest 2.7–2.9 MeV) is about 19000 hours. The half-life limit T1/2(0ν)≥3.2·10²² y (90% C.L.) is obtained for neutrinoless 2β decay of ¹¹⁶Cd. It corresponds to restrictions on the values of the neutrino mass m_ν≤3.9 eV, right-handed admixtures in weak interaction η≤5.7·10⁻⁸, λ5.0·10⁻⁶ and R-parity violating parameter of minimal supersymmetric standard model ≤1.1·10⁻³. For neutrinoless modes with emission of one and two Majorons, the limits T1/2(0νM1)≥1.2·10²¹ y and T1/2(0νM2)≥2.4·10²⁰ y (90% C.L.) are determined. To advance these results to a level of the limit m_ν≤1–2 eV, the improved set-up with four enriched ¹¹⁶CdWO₄ crystals is in mounting low.     

Search for anomalous production of single photons at and 136 GeV

This letter reports the results of the measurement of single photon production in the reaction e⁺e⁻ → γ+ invisible particles at centre-of-mass energies and 136 GeV and an integrated luminosity of 5.83 pb⁻¹, collected with the DELPHI detector at LEP. The signal is compatible with the prediction of the Standard Model for the process , and the number of neutrino families has been determined to be N_ν = 3.1 ± 0.6. Limits have been derived on anomalous neutral gauge boson couplings and on compositeness in the framework of a specific model.     

Neutrino mass from laboratory: contribution of double beta decay to the neutrino mass matrix

Double beta decay is indispensable to solve the question of the neutrino mass matrix together with ν oscillation experiments. The most sensitive experiment - since eight years the HEIDELBERG-MOSCOW experiment in Gran-Sasso - already now, with the experimental limit of m_ν < 0.26 eV practically excludes degenerate ν mass scenarios allowing neutrinos as hot dark matter in the universe for the smallangle MSW solution of the solar neutrino problem. It probes cosmological models including hot dark matter already now on the level of future satellite experiments MAP and PLANCK. It further probes many topics of beyond SM physics at the TeV scale. Future experiments should give access to the multi-TeV range and complement on many ways the search for new physics at future colliders like LHC and NLC. For neutrino physics some of them (GENIUS) will allow to test almost all neutrino mass scenarios allowed by the present neutrino oscillation experiments.     

Liquid argon neutrino detectors

The Liquid Argon imaging technique, as proposed for the ICARUS detector, offers the possibility to perform complementary and simultaneous measurements of neutrinos, as those of CERN to Gran Sasso beam (CNGS) and those from cosmic ray events. For the currently allowed values of the Super—Kamiokande results, the combination of both CNGS and atmospheric data will provide a precise determination of the oscillation parameters. Since one can observe and unambiguously identify ν_e, ν_μ and ν_τ components, this technology allows to explore the full (3 x 3) mixing matrix. The same class of detector can be proposed for high precision measurements at a neutrino factory.     

The ν9 Band of Propyne-d3

A high-resolution Fourier transform spectrum of the ν₉ band of CD₃CCH has been recorded at an apodized resolution of 0.004 cm−1 and analyzed. More than 1700 lines in the spectrum have been assigned and the parameters of the ν₉ state derived. The standard deviation of the fit was 0.00034 cm⁻¹. In order to achieve this fit it was necessary to include l-type doubling interaction and Fermi resonance between ν₉ and the E component of 2ν₁₀.