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arXiv · 2110.02171

Simulation studies for source optimization in $^{96}$Zr $\beta$ decay

S. Thakur·V. Nanal·P. P. Singh·R. G. Pillay·H. Krishnamoorthy·A. Mazumdar·A. Reza·P. K. Raina·V. Vatsa
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Abstract

The single $\beta$ decay of $^{96}$Zr to the ground state of $^{96}$Nb is spin forbidden and poses a great experimental challenge. The $\beta$ decay of $^{96}$Zr can be studied via coincident detection of de-exciting gamma rays in $^{96}$Mo, which is the end product of $^{96}$Nb $\beta$ decay. Simulations are done with four HPGe detector setup (~33% relative efficiency each) to optimize the source configuration. The results suggest that ~70g of 50% enriched $^{96}$Zr will yield sensitivity comparable to the reported results.

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S. Thakur, V. Nanal, P. P. Singh, R. G. Pillay, H. Krishnamoorthy, A. Mazumdar, A. Reza, P. K. Raina, V. Vatsa. 2021-10-04. Simulation studies for source optimization in $^{96}$Zr $\beta$ decay. https://doi.org/10.1393/ncc%2Fi2022-22024-9

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