Double beta decays of 124Xe investigated in the QRPA framework

Abstract

The two-neutrino (2ν2β) and neutrinoless (0ν2β) double beta decays of 124Xe are investigated. Decays to the ground state, , and various 0+ and 2+ excited states in 124Te are considered. The corresponding nuclear matrix elements have been calculated by using the quasiparticle random-phase approximation combined with the multiple-commutator model. G-matrix-based effective nuclear interactions have been used in realistic single-particle model spaces. All possible channels, β+β+, β+EC, and ECEC, are discussed for both the 2ν2β and 0ν2β decays. The associated half-lives are computed, in particular the one corresponding to the resonant neutrinoless double electron capture transition to the 2790.41 keV nuclear state in 124Te. This work represents the most complete theoretical investigation thus far of the double-beta-decay properties of 124Xe. © 2013 IOP Publishing Ltd.