Selection rules in the double beta decay of deformed nuclei

Abstract

The 2 nu double beta decay half-lives of six nuclei, whose decays were previously reported as theoretically forbidden, are calculated by including the pairing interaction, which mixes different occupations and opens up the possibility of the decay. All allowed channels for the 0 nu double beta decay are also computed. The estimated 2 nu double beta half-lives suggest that measurements in 244Pu may find positive signals, and that planned experiments would succeed in detecting the 2 nu double beta decay in 160Gd. Limits for the zero neutrino mode, in the analyzed deformed emitters, are predicted.