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arXiv · 2209.11106

Updated and novel limits on double beta decay and dark matter-induced processes in platinum

Abstract

A 510 day long-term measurement of a 45.3 g platinum foil acting as the sample and high voltage contact in an ultra-low-background high purity germanium detector was performed at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (Italy). The data was used for a detailed study of double beta decay modes in natural platinum isotopes. Limits are set in the range $\mathcal{O}(10^{14} - 10^{19})$ yr (90% C.L.) for several double beta decay transitions to excited states confirming, and partially extending existing limits. The highest sensitivity of the measurement, greater than $10^{19}$ yr, was achieved for the two neutrino and neutrinoless double beta decay modes of the isotope $^{198}$Pt. Additionally, novel limits for inelastic dark matter scattering on $^{195}$Pt are placed up to mass splittings of approximately 500 keV. We analyze several techniques to extend the sensitivity and propose a few approaches for future medium-scale experiments with platinum-group elements.

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B. Broerman, M. Laubenstein, S. Nagorny, S. Nisi, N. Song, A. C. Vincent. 2022-09-22. Updated and novel limits on double beta decay and dark matter-induced processes in platinum. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc%2Fs10052-023-11510-1

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