Constraints on partial half-lives of 136Ce and 138Ce double electron captures

Abstract

The γ-ray emissions from a radiopure cerium-bromide crystal with a mass of 4381 g were measured for a total of 497.4 d by means of high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry in the HADES underground laboratory at a depth of 500 m.w.e. A search for 0/2νεε and 0/2νεβ+ double beta decay transitions of 136Ce and 138Ce was performed using Bayesian analysis techniques. No signals were observed for a total of 35 investigated decay modes. 90% credibility limits were set in the order of 1018–1019 yr. Existing constraints from a cerium oxide powder measurement were tested with a different cerium compound and half-life limits could be improved for most of the decay modes. The most likely accessible decay mode of the 136Ce 2νεε transition into the 0+1 state of 136Ba results in a new best 90% credibility limit of 5.0×1018 yr.