Search for 2K(2\nu)-capture of Kr-78

Abstract

Results of a search for Kr-78 double K-capture at the second stage of the experiment with high-pressure copper proportional counters are presented. The method is based on comparison of spectra measured with natural and enriched krypton. The total exposure of the low background measurements is for Kr-78 152 g*yr and for Kr-nat 106 g*yr. An excess of events was observed in the analysis of Kr-78 selected data collected during 2008-2010 years. This excess could correspond to a double K-capture of Kr-78 with the half-life of T_{1/2}(2K,2\nu + 0\nu)=[1.4^{+2.2}_{-0.7}]\cdot 10^{22}$ yr (90% C.L.)