Evidence for neutron-induced -ray emissions in the vicinity of the value of decay
Phys. Rev. C 112, 014325 – Published 23 July, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/bczs-6hvl
Abstract
Neutrinoless double-beta decay of nuclei represents one of the most promising methods for uncovering physics beyond the standard model. In this context, stands out as a particularly attractive candidate, as it can serve as an intrinsic component in semiconductor detectors. If the neutrinoless process occurs in , its signature would appear as a distinct peak at the value of . A neutron activation measurement was performed on a germanium sample isotopically enriched in at the DT neutron generator of TU Dresden. The measurement confirmed the presence of rays with energies of , , and originating from the decays of and . These rays lie in close proximity to the expected neutrinoless double-beta decay signal of .