Double beta decay

Abstract

The motivation, present status, and future plans of the search for ββ(0ν) decay are reviewed. Recent observations of neutrino oscillations encourage the hope that ββ(0ν) decay corresponding to the neutrino mass scale suggested by oscillations, mν ≈ 50 meV, actually exists. The challenges to achieve the sensitivity corresponding to this mass scale, and plans to overcome them, are described.