Feasibility study for an investigation of the neutrino rest mass through high resolution spectroscopy of the external bremsstrahlung from tritium decay

https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-9002(89)90182-4Get rights and content

Abstract

In a feasibility study we have investigated which upper limit might be measurable for the mass of the electron antineutrino through high-resolution spectroscopy of the external bremsstrahlung from β-decay of tritium. Various sources are considered to obtain high luminosity. A description is given of the fabrication of a 900 Ci NbT0.4 source. The design data of a curved crystal spectrometer are discussed, including aberration, in order to achieve high intensity in the spectrograph mode, aiming at a resolution of 20 eV. The expected bremsstrahlung spectrum has been calculated and compared with a spectrum measured with a Si(Li) spectrometer with the use of the Nb tritium source. This method yields an upper limit of ∼ 100 eV for mν.

References (22)

  • A. De Rujula

    Nucl. Phys.

    (1981)
  • B. Pontecorvo

    Sov. Phys. JETP

    (1972)
  • V.A. Lubimov
  • K. Riisager et al.

    Phys. Scripta

    (1985)
  • Wm.J. Veigele

    At. Data Tables

    (1973)
  • R. Lässer et al.

    Nucl. Mater.

    (1985)
  • T. Johansson

    Z. Phys.

    (1933)
  • T. Kirsten

    Phys. B1.

    (1983)
    T. Kirsten

    Phys. B1.

    (1983)
  • L.M. Langer et al.

    Phys. Rev.

    (1952)
  • K.E. Bergkvist

    Nucl. Phys.

    (1972)
  • R.L. Mößbauer

    Phys. B1.

    (1985)
  • Cited by (0)

    View full text