Neutrinoless Quadruple Beta Decay

Abstract

We point out that lepton number violation is possible even if neutrinos are Dirac particles. We illustrate this by constructing a simple model that allows for lepton number violation by four units only. As a consequence, neutrinoless double beta decay is forbidden, but neutrinoless quadruple beta decay is possible: $(A,Z) \to (A,Z+4) + 4 e^-$. We identify three candidate isotopes for this decay, the most promising one being Nd-150 due to its high $Q_{0\nu 4\beta}$-value of 2 MeV. Analogous processes, such as neutrinoless quadruple electron capture, are also possible. The expected lifetimes are extremely long, and experimental searches are challenging.