The search for neutrinoless double-beta decay: experimental and theoretical challenges

Image courtesy of L. Coraggio

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The search of neutrinoless double-β (0νββ) decay involves substantial effort from both experimental and theoretical researchers. This yet-unobserved process requires highly sensitive detectors on the experimental side, and computationally intensive, high-precision calculations of the nuclear matrix element on the theoretical side. The nuclear matrix element (M0ν) is computed as the expectation value of a lepton-number-violating electroweak transition operator between the wave functions of the initial and final nuclei.

Accurate and reliable calculations of M0ν are essential to inform experimental decisions, from the selection of the isotope and the detection technology to the determination of the source mass required to to observe the 0νββ decay, and ultimately to enable the comparison and combination of results from different experiments. Finally, should the decay be observed, a robust evaluation of M0ν is necessary to extract the effective neutrino mass from the measured half-life. A strong interplay between experimental and theoretical efforts is vital, with ongoing collaboration and dialogue playing a key role in advancing the scientific goals shared by both communities.

The aim of the meeting is to convene leading research groups from both experimental and theoretical fields focused on 0νββ decay, fostering a collaborative environment to align strategies, share insights, and define research objectives that will accelerate progress in this area.

Supporting project and institutions