Beta decay of <Superscript>115</Superscript>In to the first excited level of <Superscript>115</Superscript>Sn: Potential outcome for neutrino mass

Recent observation of β decay of ¹¹⁵In to the first excited level of ¹¹⁵Sn with an extremely low Q _β value (Q _β ≤ O(1) [keV]) could be used to set a limit on neutrino mass. To give a restriction potentially competitive with those extracted from experiments with ³H (≃2 eV) and ¹⁸⁷Re (≃15 eV), the atomic mass difference between ¹¹⁵In and ¹¹⁵Sn and energy of the first ¹¹⁵Sn level should be remeasured with higher accuracy (possibly of the order of ∼1 eV). The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Synthesis and Structures of Gallium‐β‐Diketiminate Complexes: Isolation of a Dinuclear Gallium(II) Complex

The sterically demanding β‐diketiminate ligand L^dmp [L^dmp = HC{(CMe)N(dmp)}₂, dmp = C₆H₃‐2,6‐Me₂] was used to stabilize various gallium complexes in the formal oxidation states +II and +III. The reaction of in situ generated [L^dmpLi] with gallium chloride affords [L^dmpGaCl₂] ( 1 ), which was used as starting complex to synthesize a variety of gallium(III) compounds [L^dmpGaX₂] [X = F ( 2 ), I ( 3 ), H ( 4 ), and Me ( 5 )]. Synthesis of the dinuclear complex [L^dmpGaI]₂ ( 6 ), with gallium in the formal oxidation state +II was accomplished by converting “GaI” with in situ generated [L^dmpLi] in toluene. All compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, NMR spectroscopy, LIFDI‐TOF‐MS, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Additionally DFT calculations were performed for analysis of the bonding in 6 .     

The VIP Experimental Limit on the Pauli Exclusion Principle Violation by Electrons

In this paper we describe an experimental test of the validity of the Pauli Exclusion Principle (for electrons) which is based on a straightforward idea put forward a few years ago by Ramberg and Snow (Phys. Lett. B 238:438, 1990). We perform a very accurate search of X-rays from the Pauli-forbidden atomic transitions of electrons in the already filled 1S shells of copper atoms. Although the experiment has a very simple structure, it poses deep conceptual and interpretational problems. Here we describe the experimental method and recent experimental results, which we interpret in the framework of quon theory. We also present future plans to upgrade the experimental apparatus using Silicon Drift Detectors.     

Ultra-low background measurements of decayed aerosol filters

Aerosol samples collected on filter media were analyzed using HPGe detectors employing varying background-reduction techniques in order to experimentally evaluate the opportunity to apply ultra-low background measurement methods to samples collected, for instance, by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty International Monitoring System (IMS). In this way, realistic estimates of the impact of low-background methodology on the sensitivity obtained in systems such as the IMS were assessed. The current detectability requirement of stations in the IMS is 30 μBq/m³ of air for ¹⁴⁰Ba, which would imply ~10⁶ fissions per daily sample. Importantly, this is for a fresh aerosol filter. One week of decay reduces the intrinsic background from radon daughters in the sample allowing much higher sensitivity measurement of relevant isotopes, including ¹³¹I. An experiment was conducted in which decayed filter samples were measured at a variety of underground locations using Ultra-Low Background (ULB) gamma spectroscopy technology. The impacts of the decay and ULB are discussed.     

VIP-2 —High-Sensitivity Tests on the Pauli Exclusion Principle for Electrons

The VIP collaboration is performing high sensitivity tests of the Pauli Exclusion Principle for electrons in the extremely low cosmic background environment of the underground Gran Sasso National Laboratory INFN (Italy). In particular, the VIP-2 Open Systems experiment was conceived to put strong constraints on those Pauli Exclusion Principle violation models which respect the so-called Messiah–Greenberg superselection rule. The experimental technique consists of introducing a direct current in a copper conductor, and searching for the X-rays emission coming from a forbidden atomic transition from the L shell to the K shell of copper when the K shell is already occupied by two electrons. The analysis of the first three months of collected data (in 2018) is presented. The obtained result represents the best bound on the Pauli Exclusion Principle violation probability which fulfills the Messiah–Greenberg rule.     

First search for double β decay of dysprosium

A search for double β decay of dysprosium was realized for the first time with the help of an ultra-low background HP Ge γ detector. After 2512 h of data taking with a 322 g sample of dysprosium oxide limits on double beta processes in ¹⁵⁶Dy and ¹⁵⁸Dy have been established on the level of T_1/2?¹⁰¹⁴–¹⁰¹⁶ yr$T_{1/2}?{10}^{14}\text{–}{10}^{16}\text{yr}$. Possible resonant double electron captures in ¹⁵⁶Dy and ¹⁵⁸Dy were restricted on a similar level. As a by-product of the experiment we have measured the radioactive contamination of the Dy₂O₃ sample and set limits on the α   decay of dysprosium isotopes to the excited levels of daughter nuclei as T_1/2?¹⁰¹⁵–¹⁰¹⁷ yr$T_{1/2}?{10}^{15}\text{–}{10}^{17}\text{yr}$.     

Uranium groundwater anomalies and active normal faulting

The ability to predict earthquakes is one of the greatest challenges for Earth Sciences. Radon has been suggested as one possible precursor, and its groundwater anomalies associated with earthquakes and water?Crock interactions were proposed in several seismogenic areas worldwide as due to possible transport of radon through microfractures, or due to crustal gas fluxes along active faults. However, the use of radon as a possible earthquake??s precursor is not clearly linked to crustal deformation. It is shown in this paper that uranium groundwater anomalies, which were observed in cataclastic rocks crossing the underground Gran Sasso National Laboratory, can be used as a possible strain meter in domains where continental lithosphere is subducted. Measurements evidence clear, sharp anomalies from July, 2008 to the end of March, 2009, related to a preparation phase of the seismic swarm, which occurred near L??Aquila, Italy, from October, 2008 to April, 2009. On April 6th, 2009 an earthquake (M_w = 6.3) occurred at 01:33 UT in the same area, with normal faulting on a NW?CSE oriented structure about 15 km long, dipping toward SW. In the framework of the geophysical and geochemical models of the area, these measurements indicate that uranium may be used as a possible strain meter in extensional tectonic settings similar to those where the L??Aquila earthquake occurred.     

Production of high purity TeO2 single crystals for the study of neutrinoless double beta decay

High purity TeO₂ crystals are produced to be used for the search for the neutrinoless double beta decay of ¹³⁰Te. Dedicated production lines for raw material synthesis, crystal growth, and surface processing were built compliant with radio-purity constraints specific to rare event physics experiments. High sensitivity measurements of radio-isotope concentrations in raw materials, reactants, consumables, ancillaries, and intermediary products used for TeO₂ crystals production are reported. Indications are given on the crystals perfection and how it is achieved and maintained in a large scale production process. Production and certification protocols are presented and resulting ready-to-use TeO₂ crystals are described.