Angular Correlation of Electrons in Double Beta-Decay

Abstract

Angular correlation functions for the emitted electrons with corresponding electron energy spectra are obtained, assuming the Majorana theory of the neutrino, for allowed and first-forbidden nuclear double beta-transitions. The associated decay mean lives are estimated $\approx {10}^{12}$ yr, and $\approx {10}^{16}$ yr, respectively, for $Z\approx 50$, and an atomic mass difference $\approx 1.5$ Mev. A brief discussion is given of the reported experimental observations of double beta-decay in the light of the deduced angular correlation functions, electron energy spectra, decay mean lives, and selection rules; the improbability of actual occurrence of the allowed ${10}^{12}$-yr transitions is pointed out.