Search for neutrinoless double beta decay

Abstract

We review current experimental efforts to search for neutrinoless double beta decay (0$\nu\beta\beta$). A description of the selected leading experiments is given and the strongest recent results are compared in terms of achieved background indexes and limits on effective Majorana mass. A combined limit is also shown. The second part of the review covers next generation experiments, highlighting the challenges and new technologies that may be necessary to achieve a justifiable discovery potential. A potential synergy with direct dark matter searches, which could be an especially prudent strategy in case the axial vector coupling constant is quenched in 0$\nu\beta\beta$ decay, is emphasized.