Sense and sensitivity of double beta decay experiments

摘要: The search for neutrinoless double beta decay is a very active field in which the number of proposals next-generation experiments has proliferated. In this paper we attempt to address both sense and sensitivity such proposals. Sensitivity comes first, by means proposing simple unambiguous statistical recipe derive putative Majorana neutrino mass, m_bb. order make how different experimental approaches compare, apply selection proposals, comparing resulting sensitivities. We also propose "physics-motivated range" (PMR) nuclear matrix elements as unifying criterium between models. expected performance parametrized terms only four numbers: energy resolution, background rate (per unit time, isotope mass energy), detection efficiency, bb mass. For each proposal, reference an optimistic scenario are studied. find that all will be able partially explore degenerate spectrum, without fully covering it, although them (KamLAND-Zen, CUORE, NEXT EXO) approach 50 meV boundary. scenario, CUORE xenon-based EXO NEXT) significant fraction inverse hierarchy, with it almost fully. long term future, argue Xe-based may provide best case 1-ton scale experiment, given potentially low backgrounds achievable scalability large masses.