Search

In astroparticle, nuclear and subnuclear physics, low-counting experiments play an increasingly important role in the investigation of rare processes such as dark matter, double beta decay, some neutrino processes and low-background spectrometry. Extremely low-background features are more and more required to produce detectors and apparata of suitable sensitivity. Over time, a great deal of interest and attention in developing experimental techniques suitable to improve, verify and maintain the radiopurity of these detectors has arisen. In this paper, the characterization of inorganic crystal scintillators (such as, e.g., NaI(Tl), ZnWO4 and CdWO4) using α, β and γ radioactive sources and the main experimental techniques applied in the field to quantitatively identify the radioactive contaminants are highlighted; in particular, we focus on inorganic crystal scintillators, widely used in rare processes investigation, considering their applications at noncryogenic temperatures in the framework of the DAMA experiment activities at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN (National Institute for Nuclear Physics, Roma, Italy).

International audience; NUCLEUS is an experiment conceived for the detection of thecoherent elastic neutrino nucleus scattering. The experiment will be carried out in the nuclear power plant of Chooz-B in France that provides an intense flux of anti-neutrinos.The aim of NUCLEUS is to perform a very precise measurement of the coherent elastic scattering below 100 eV by employing extremely sensitive cryogenic detectors based on CaWO$_4$ and Al$_2$O$_3$ target crystals.At present, the NUCLEUS apparatus is in commissioning phaseat the Underground Laboratory of the Technical University Munich, where - after its installation and the first measurement phase - the experiment will be fully tested. Thereafter the entire apparatus will be moved to the reactor site at Chooz.

Experimental observations and theoretical arguments at Galaxy and larger scales suggested that a large fraction of the universe is composed by Dark Matter particles. This motivated the DAMA experimental efforts to investigate the presence of such particles in the galactic halo by exploiting a model-independent signature and very highly radiopure set-ups deep underground. Here, a review of the model-independent positive results, obtained by the DAMA set-ups at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN, and some of the implications will be given.

Preliminary researches on double beta decay transitions in 106Cd were carried out using a cadmium tungstate scintillator enriched in 106Cd at 66% (106CdWO4, mass 215.4 g), in coincidence (anticoincidence) with two CdWO4 scintillation detectors composed of natural Cd. The detector system is inserted in the DAMA/R&D setup, placed in the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN (LNGS, Italy). The contaminations which appear in the different materials of the experimental apparatus were simulated using Monte Carlo coding. New calculations of half-life limits have been done for various double beta decay channels of 106Cd and are of order of lim T 1 / 2 ∼ 10 20 −10 21 yr. These results were derived by means of the analysis of the data accumulated for 467 days. The preliminary estimation on T 1 / 2 for the positron-emitting electron capture with two neutrinos emission in 106Cd is equal to T 1 / 2 ≥ 1.5 × 10 21 yr, which is close to the theoretical forecasts for this process, T 1 / 2 ∼ 10 21 −10 22 yr.

A search for the β+β+, β+/EC, and EC/EC decays of 106Cd was performed at the Modane Underground Laboratory (France) located at a depth of 4800 m w.e. using a TGV-2 multidetector germanium spectrometer. A preliminary evaluation is performed of the experimental data accumulated during the measurements (12 900 h) of ∼13.6 g of 106Cd (with an enrichment of 75%) and the spectrometer background without samples and with samples of natural Cd. New limits (at a 90% confidence level) of half-lives are obtained: T 1/2 ⩾ 1.7 × 1020 yr and T 1/2 ⩾ 1.6 × 1020 yr for the 0νEC/EC resonant decay of 106Cd to the 2741 keV and 2718 keV excited states of the daughter nucleus 106Pd and T 1/2 ⩾ 4.2 × 1020 yr for the 2νEC/EC decay to the ground state of 106Pd (0+ → 0+, g.s.). The limits for other branches of the double beta decay of 106Cd with transitions to the ground and excited states of 106Pd are improved.

Experimental observations and theoretical arguments point out that Dark Matter (DM) particles are one of the most prominent component of the Universe. This motivated the pioneer DAMA experiment to investigate the presence of these particles in the galactic halo, by exploiting the model independent signature of the DM annual modulation of the rate and very highly radio-pure apparatus in underground site. In this paper the results obtained by other two annual cycles of DAMA/LIBRA-phase2 are presented and the long-standing model-independent annual modulation effect measured by DAMA deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) of the I.N.F.N. with different experimental configurations is summarized. The improved experimental configuration of DAMA/LIBRA-phase2, $\simeq$ 250 kg highly radio-pure NaI(Tl), allowed to lower the software energy threshold. The total exposure of DAMA/LIBRA-phase2 over 8 annual cycles is 1.53 ton $\times$ yr. DAMA/LIBRA-phase2 confirms the evidence of a signal that meets all the requirements of the model independent Dark Matter annual modulation signature, at 11.8 $\sigma$ C.L. in the energy region (1-6) keV. In the energy region between 2 and 6 keV, where data are also available from DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA-phase1 (2.86 ton $\times$ yr), the achieved C.L. is 13.7 $\sigma$; the modulation amplitude of the single-hit scintillation events is: $(0.01014 \pm 0.00074)$ cpd/kg/keV, the measured phase is $(142.4 \pm 4.2)$ days and the measured period is $(0.99834 \pm 0.00067)$ yr, all these values are well in agreement with those expected for DM particles. No systematics or side reaction able to mimic the exploited DM signature (i.e. to account for the whole measured modulation amplitude and to simultaneously satisfy all the requirements of the signature), has been found or suggested by anyone throughout some decades thus far., Comment: Proceedings of the Sixteenth Marcel Grossmann Meeting - MG16, July 5-10, 2021. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1805.10486, arXiv:1308.5109, arXiv:1002.1028, arXiv:1306.1411

The double-electron capture and the electron capture with positron emission in 168Yb have been investigated for the first time at the STELLA facility of the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (Italy) measuring 371 g of highly purified ytterbium oxide placed on the end-cap of a 465 cm3 ultra-low-background high purity Germanium detector (HPGe). No gamma associated to double beta processes in 168Yb have been observed after 2074 h of data taking. This has allowed setting the half-life limits on the level of lim ⁡ T 1 / 2 ∼ 10 14 – 10 18 yr at 90% C.L. Particularly, a lower half-life limit on a possible resonant neutrinoless double-electron capture in 168Yb to the ( 2 ) − 1403.7 keV excited state of 168Er is set as T 1 / 2 ≥ 1.9 × 10 18 yr at 90% C.L. Half-life limits T 1 / 2 2 ν ( 0 ν ) ≥ 4.5 ( 4.3 ) × 10 16 yr were set on the 2 ν ( 0 ν ) 2 β − decay of 176Yb to the 2 + 84.3 keV first excited level of 176Hf.

The half-life of $^{212}$Po was measured with the highest up-to-date accuracy as $T_{1/2}=295.1(4)$ ns by using thorium-loaded liquid scintillator., Comment: 28 pages, 13 figures, 4 tables

A detector containing two radiopure 116CdWO4 crystal scintillators with total mass of 1.2 kg was operated during 35324 h at the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory (INFN, Italy) with the main aim to investigate double beta decay of 116Cd. As a by-product of the experiment, a new upper limit on atomic abundance of hypothetical naturally occurring long-lived seaborgium (eka-tungsten, Z = 106) in tungsten was set at 5.1 10−15 atom(Sg)/atom(W) with 90% C.L. (assuming the Sg half-life of 109 yr) by the analysis of the alpha decay events. This limit is better than those obtained with a ZnWO4 scintillator and in other types of experiments which used the accelerator mass spectrometry or searched for spontaneous fission of superheavy elements.

An experiment to measure the 2β – decay of 150Nd to excited levels of 150Sm using a highly purified 2.381 kg sample of Nd2O3 is in progress in the low-background set-up with 4 HPGe detectors (∼225 cm3 volume each). The detector is located deep underground (3600 m w.e.) at the STELLA facility of the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) of the INFN (Italy). Two γ quanta with energies 334.0 keV and 406.5 keV emitted after deexcitation of the 01 + excited level of 150Sm have been observed in the experimental data accumulated over 39898 h. The preliminary half-life value for 2β – decay of 150Nd to the first 0+ excited level in 150Sm (after the exposure of 10.8 kg × yr) was estimated as T 1 / 2 = 9.7 − 1.9 + 2.9 stat . ± 1.5 syst . × 10 19 yr. The experiment is under data taking with the aim to improve the statistical uncertainties.

Double-beta processes in $^{184}$Os and $^{192}$Os were searched for over 15851 h at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) of the I.N.F.N. by using a 118 g ultra-pure osmium sample installed on the endcap of a 112 cm$^3$ ultra-low-background broad-energy germanium detector. New limits on double-electron capture and electron capture with positron emission in $^{184}$Os were set at the level of $\lim T_{1/2} \sim 10^{16}-10^{17}$ yr. In particular the $2\nu$2K and $2\nu$KL decays of $^{184}$Os to the ground state of $^{184}$W are restricted as $T_{1/2}\geq3.0\times 10^{16}$ yr and $T_{1/2}\geq2.0\times 10^{16}$ yr, respectively. A lower limit on the half-life for the double-beta decay of $^{192}$Os to the first excited level of $^{192}$Pt was set as $\lim T_{1/2}=2.0\times 10^{20}$ yr at 90\% C.L., Comment: 22 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables

In this paper we review results obtained in the searches of double beta decays to excited states of the daughter nuclei and illustrate the related experimental techniques. In particular, we describe in some detail the only two cases in which the transition has been observed; that is the 2β−(0+→01+) decay of 100Mo and 150Nd nuclides. Moreover, the most significant results in terms of lower limits on the half-life are also summarized.

Studies on double beta decay processes in 106Cd were performed by using a cadmium tungstate scintillator enriched in 106Cd at 66% (106CdWO4) with two CdWO4 scintillation counters (with natural Cd composition). No effect was observed in the data that accumulated over 26,033 h. New improved half-life limits were set on the different channels and modes of the 106Cd double beta decay at level of limT1/2&sim, 1020&minus, 1022 yr. The limit for the two neutrino electron capture with positron emission in 106Cd to the ground state of 106Pd, T1/22&nu, EC&beta, +&ge, 2.1&times, 1021 yr, was set by the analysis of the 106CdWO4 data in coincidence with the energy release 511 keV in both CdWO4 counters. The sensitivity approaches the theoretical predictions for the decay half-life that are in the range T1/2&sim, 1021&minus, 1022 yr. The resonant neutrinoless double-electron capture to the 2718 keV excited state of 106Pd is restricted at the level of T1/20&nu, 2K&ge, 2.9&times, 1021 yr.

A search for $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay of naturally occurring osmium isotopes to the lowest excited levels of daughter nuclei has been performed by using an ultra-low-background broad-energy germanium $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ detector with a volume of 112 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ and an ultrapure osmium sample with a mass of 118 g at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN (Italy). The isotopic composition of the osmium sample has been measured with high precision using negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry. After 15851 h of data taking with the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ detector, no effect has been detected, and lower limits on the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decays were set at level of $lim{T}_{1/2}\ensuremath{\approx}{10}^{15}--{10}^{19}$ yr. The limits for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decays of $^{184}\mathrm{Os}$ and $^{186}\mathrm{Os}$ to the first excited levels of daughter nuclei, ${T}_{1/2}(^{184}\mathrm{Os})\ensuremath{\ge}6.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{15}$ yr and ${T}_{1/2}(^{186}\mathrm{Os})\ensuremath{\ge}3.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{17}$ yr (at 90% C.L.), exceed the present theoretical estimates of the decays' half-lives. For $^{189}\mathrm{Os}$ and $^{192}\mathrm{Os}$ also decays to the ground states of the daughter nuclei were searched for due to the instability of the daughter nuclides relative to $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay.

Residual radioactive contaminants of a caesium hafnium chloride (Cs$_2$HfCl$_6$) crystal scintillator have been measured in a low background setup at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN, Italy. The total alpha activity of the detector is at the level of 7.8(3) mBq/kg. The results of direct studies of the $\alpha$ decay of naturally occurring Hf isotopes that have been performed using the "source=detector" approach are presented. In 2848 h of data taking, the $\alpha$ decay of $^{174}$Hf was observed with T$_{1/2} = (7.0\pm1.2)\times10^{16} $ y., Comment: Accepted for publication in Nuclear Physics, Section A

International audience; Many developments, researches on innovative materials and purification techniques have offered a wide set of inorganic scintillators to investigate many processes; further developments are still in progress. In particular, efforts to realize very low background detectors have opened their effective application to the search of rare processes deep underground. Several cases will be outlined offering—to some extent—a discussion of several inorganic crystal scintillators' performances and their potentiality for the future.

The first results obtained by the DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 experiment with the data collected deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory over 6 independent annual cycles (corresponding to a total exposure of 1.13 ton × yr) are presented. The DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 apparatus, about 250 kg highly radio-pure NaI(Tl), profits of a second generation high quantum efficiency photomultipliers and of new electronics; in the new configuration the software energy threshold is at 1 keV. The DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 data confirm the evidence of a signal that meets all the requirements of the model independent Dark Matter annual modulation signature, at 9.5 σ C.L. in the energy region (1-6) keV. In the energy region between 2 and 6 keV, where data are also available from DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA–phase1 the achieved C.L. for the full exposure (2.46 ton × yr) is 12.9 σ.

A Barium Tungstate single crystal (BaWO 4 ) was produced using the low thermal gradient Czochralski technique. In this paper the results concerning its light emission and radioactive contaminants are presented. The aim of this work is to investigate the possibility to realize BaWO 4 crystals with suitably features to study the double beta decay of 130 Ba and 132 Ba isotopes by the “source=detector” approach. The results show the limitations of a BaWO 4 crystal as a scintillator and give some idea on how to overcome them in order to take profit from the potentiality of this single crystal.

The double beta decay of 150Nd to the first excited 0+ level of 150Sm (Eexc = 740.5 keV) was investigated with the help of the ultra-low-background setup consisting of four HP Ge (high-purity germanium) detectors (≃225 cm3 volume each one) at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory of INFN (Italy). A highly purified 2.381-kg sample of neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) was used as a source of γ quanta expected in the decays. Gamma quanta with energies 334.0 keV and 406.5 keV emitted after deexcitation of the 01+ 740.5 keV excited level of 150Sm are observed in the coincidence spectra accumulated over 16375 h. The half-life relatively to the two neutrino double beta decay 150Nd → 150Sm(01+) is measured as T1/2 = [4.7+4.1-1.9(stat)±0.5(syst)]×1019 y, in agreement with results of previous experiments.

The development of low-threshold detectors for the study of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering and for the search for light dark matter necessitates methods of low-energy calibration. We suggest this can be provided by the nuclear recoils resulting from the $\gamma$ emission following thermal neutron capture. In particular, several MeV-scale single-$\gamma$ transitions induce well-defined nuclear recoil peaks in the 100 eV range. Using the FIFRELIN code, complete schemes of $\gamma$-cascades for various isotopes can be predicted with high accuracy to determine the continuous background of nuclear recoils below the calibration peaks. We present a comprehensive experimental concept for the calibration of CaWO$_4$ and Ge cryogenic detectors at a research reactor. For CaWO$_4$ the simulations show that two nuclear recoil peaks at 112.5 eV and 160.3 eV should be visible above background simply in the spectrum of the cryogenic detector. Then we discuss how the additional tagging for the associated $\gamma$ increases the sensitivity of the method and extends its application to a wider energy range and to Ge cryogenic detectors., Comment: 21 pages, 8 figures

Anisotropic scintillators can offer a unique possibility to exploit the so-called directionality approach in order to investigate the presence of those Dark Matter (DM) candidates inducing nuclear recoils. In fact, their use can overcome the difficulty of detecting extremely short nuclear recoil traces. In this paper we present recent measurements performed on the anisotropic response of a ZnWO$_4$ crystal scintillator to nuclear recoils, in the framework of the ADAMO project. The anisotropic features of the ZnWO$_4$ crystal scintillators were initially measured with $\alpha$ particles; those results have been also confirmed by the additional measurements presented here. The experimental nuclear recoil data were obtained by using a neutron generator at ENEA-CASACCIA and neutron detectors to tag the scattered neutrons; in particular, the quenching factor values for nuclear recoils along different crystallographic axes have been determined for three different neutron scattering angles (i.e. nuclear recoils energies). From these measurements, the anisotropy of the light response for nuclear recoils in the ZnWO$_4$ crystal scintillator has been determined at 5.4 standard deviations., Comment: 22 pages; 12 figures. In press on Eur. Phys. J. A

The first direct search for the double electron capture ($2\epsilon$) and the electron capture with positron emission ($\epsilon\beta^+$) in $^{144}$Sm to the ground state and to the excited levels of $^{144}$Nd was realized by measuring - over 1899 h - a 342 g sample of highly purified samarium oxide (Sm$_2$O$_3$) with the ultra-low background HP-Ge $\gamma$ spectrometer GeCris (465 cm$^3$) at the STELLA facility of the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS). No effect was observed and half-life limits were estimated at the level of $T_{1/2} \sim (0.1-1.3) \times 10^{20}$ yr (90% C.L.). Moreover, for the first time half-life limits of the double beta ($2\beta^-$) decay of $^{154}$Sm to several excited levels of $^{154}$Gd have been set; they are at the level of $T_{1/2} \sim (0.06-8) \times 10^{20}$ yr (90% C.L.)., Comment: 20 pages, 7 figures and 4 tables

Several of the many proposed Dark Matter candidate particles, already investigated with lower exposure and a higher software energy threshold, are further analyzed including the first DAMA/LIBRA--phase2 data release, with an exposure of 1.13 ton $\times$ yr and a lower software energy threshold (1 keV). The cumulative exposure above 2 keV considering also DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA--phase1 results is now 2.46 ton $\times$ yr. The analysis permits to constraint the parameters' space of the considered candidates restricting their values -- with respect to previous analyses -- thanks to the increase of the exposure and to the lower energy threshold., 48 pages, 33 figures; in press on Nucl. Phys. At. Energy (2019)

International audience; Final results of studies of 116Cd 2β decay with CdWO4 crystal scintillators, enriched in 116Cd to 82%, are presented. After few years (2011 – 2017) of measurements with radiopure 116CdWO4 scintillators (mass of 1.162 kg) at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (Italy), the half-life of 116Cd relatively to 2ν2β decay to the ground state of 116Sn was measured with the highest up-to-date accuracy as T1/2=(2.63−0.12+0.11)×1019 yr. A new limit on 0ν2β decay of 116Cd was set as T1/2≥2.2×1023 yr at 90% C.L., which is the most stringent to-date restriction for this isotope. Limits for 0ν2β decay with majoron(s) emission, Lorentz-violating 2ν2β decay and 2β transitions to excited states of 116Sn were set at the level of T1/2≥1020−1022 yr.

Crystal scintillators and in particular inorganic scintillators play an important role in the investigation of Dark Matter (DM) and other rare processes. The investigation of a DM signature, as the annual modulation, or the directionality technique requires the use of highly radiopure detectors able to explore the very low energy region maintaining a high stability of the running conditions. In this paper, the cases of NaI(Tl), ZnWO4 and SrI2(Eu) crystal scintillators are described in the framework of our activities at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN. Their role, the obtained results in DM investigation, as well as their potential and perspectives for the future are reviewed.

The DAMA/LIBRA experiment, consisting of about 250 kg of highly radio-pure NaI(Tl) target, is running deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) of the I.N.F.N.; its main aim is the investigation of Dark Matter (DM) particles in the Galactic halo by means of the model independent DM annual modulation signature. In this paper we briefly summarize the results obtained in its first phase of measurements (DAMA/LIBRA–phase1) lasted for 7 annual cycles with a total exposure of 1.04 ton x year . The DAMA/LIBRA–phase1 and the former DAMA/NaI data (cumulative exposure 1.33 ton x year, corresponding to 14 annual cycles) give evidence at 9.3 σ C.L. for the presence of DM particles in the galactic halo. No systematic or side reaction able to mimic the exploited DM signature has been found or suggested by anyone over more than a decade. At fall 2010 a relevant upgrade of the experiment has been performed: all the PMTs have been replaced by new ones having higher quantum efficiency. After some optimization periods, a new phase of measurement, DAMA/LIBRA–phase2, has began in this new configuration with increased sensitivity. Some of the perspectives of the presently running DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 are mentioned.

The first DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 model-independent results (exposure: [Formula: see text], and software energy threshold at 1 keV). They further confirm — with high confidence level — the evidence already observed by DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA–phase1 on the basis of the exploited model-independent dark matter (DM) annual modulation signature. The total exposure of the three experiments above the 2 keV software energy threshold is [Formula: see text]. Here, several DM candidate particles and related scenarios are analyzed including the latest results. Thanks to the increased exposure and to the lower software energy threshold, corollary model-dependent analyses permit to significantly restrict the allowed regions for the parameters spaces of various dark matter candidates and astrophysical, particle and nuclear physics scenarios.

Experimental observations and theoretical arguments at galactic and larger scales pointed out that a large fraction of the Universe is composed of Dark Matter (DM) particles. This has motivated the pioneer DAMA experimental efforts to investigate the presence of such particles in the galactic halo, by exploiting a model independent signature and very highly radio-pure apparatus in deep underground. In this paper, after a short introductory part, the long-standing model-independent annual modulation effect measured by DAMA Collaboration, with various experimental configurations, is examined. In the energy region between 2 and 6 keV, the data from DAMA/NaI, DAMA/LIBRA-phase1 and DAMA/LIBRA-phase2 (full exposure: 2.46 ton × yr) confirm the evidence of a signal that meets all the several specific requirements of the exploited model independent DM annual modulation signature, at 12.9 σ C.L. The DAMA/LIBRA-phase2 configuration, profiting from new high quantum efficiency photomultipliers, new electronics and other improvements with respect to DAMA/LIBRA-phase1, has also allowed the confirmation of such an evidence down to a software energy threshold of 1 keV. The complexity and the uncertainties of corollary model dependent quests for the DM candidate particle(s) and related scenarios are also addressed at some extent and several of the many possibilities are examined. The efforts towards the new phase3 of the experiment are summarized, showing the strategies and the results obtained with the present developments.

The ZnWO$_4$ is an anisotropic crystal scintillator; for its peculiar characteristics, it is a very promising detector to exploit the so-called directionality approach in the investigation of those Dark Matter (DM) candidates inducing nuclear recoils. Recently, in the framework of the ADAMO project, an R\&D to develop high quality and ultra-radiopure ZnWO$_4$ crystal scintillators has been carried out. In the present paper the measurements to study the anisotropic response of a ZnWO$_4$ to $��$ particles and to nuclear recoils induced by neutron scattering are reported. Monochromatic neutrons have been produced by a neutron generator at ENEA-CASACCIA. The quenching factor values for nuclear recoils along different crystallographic axes have been determined for three different nuclear recoils energies. These results open the possibility to realize a pioneer experiment to investigate the above mentioned DM candidates by means of the directionality., Proceedings of the IPRD 2019 Conference, 10 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in JINST

Two-neutrino 2β decay of 150Nd to the 01+ 740.5-keV excited level of 150Sm has been investigated by using a highly purified 2.381-kg Nd2O3 sample with the help of ultra-low-background gamma spectrometer with 4 HPGe detectors (≈ 255 cm3 each) at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (INFN, Italy). Gamma quanta, expected in cascade after de-excitation of the 01+ (740.5 keV) excited level of 150Sm, have been observed in the coincidence spectra accumulated over 25947 h. The half-life value has been preliminary estimated as T1/2=[ 6.9−1.9+4.0(stat)±1.1(syst) ]×109y. The data taking is in progress to reduce the statistical error.Two-neutrino 2β decay of 150Nd to the 01+ 740.5-keV excited level of 150Sm has been investigated by using a highly purified 2.381-kg Nd2O3 sample with the help of ultra-low-background gamma spectrometer with 4 HPGe detectors (≈ 255 cm3 each) at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (INFN, Italy). Gamma quanta, expected in cascade after de-excitation of the 01+ (740.5 keV) excited level of 150Sm, have been observed in the coincidence spectra accumulated over 25947 h. The half-life value has been preliminary estimated as T1/2=[ 6.9−1.9+4.0(stat)±1.1(syst) ]×109y. The data taking is in progress to reduce the statistical error.

An experiment to search for double beta processes in 106Cd is in progress with the help of 106CdWO4 crystal scintillator (enriched in 106Cd to 66%) in coincidence with two large volume CdWO4 crystal scintillators in close geometry at the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory. The time resolution of the set-up was analyzed, and the methods of pulse-shape discrimination of α and γ(β) events was applied to estimate the radioactive contamination of the crystal and to reduce the background counting rate. The possible double beta decay processes and the background components have been simulated by a Monte Carlo method with GEANT4. The experimental sensitivity is approaching the theoretical predictions for the two-neutrino electron capture with positron emission in 106Cd: lim T1/2≥4×1021 yr at 90% C.L. (the best previous limit was established in the previous stage of the experiment as T1/2≥1.1× 1021 yr, while the theoretical predictions are in the region of T1/2∼1021−1022 yr).An experiment to search for double beta processes in 106Cd is in progress with the help of 106CdWO4 crystal scintillator (enriched in 106Cd to 66%) in coincidence with two large volume CdWO4 crystal scintillators in close geometry at the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory. The time resolution of the set-up was analyzed, and the methods of pulse-shape discrimination of α and γ(β) events was applied to estimate the radioactive contamination of the crystal and to reduce the background counting rate. The possible double beta decay processes and the background components have been simulated by a Monte Carlo method with GEANT4. The experimental sensitivity is approaching the theoretical predictions for the two-neutrino electron capture with positron emission in 106Cd: lim T1/2≥4×1021 yr at 90% C.L. (the best previous limit was established in the previous stage of the experiment as T1/2≥1.1× 1021 yr, while the theoretical predictions are in the region of T1/2∼1021−1022 yr).