The renormalized proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation approach has been used to study double β decay matrix elements and associated transition half-lives for neutrino-accompanied double β decay to the first excited $2^{+}$ state for five medium-heavy parent nuclei ${}^{76}$Ge, ${}^{82}$Se, ${}^{96}$Zr, ${}^{100}$Mo, and ${}^{116}$Cd. The results of these calculations are compared with the normal approach and experiments where available. The dependence on the size of the single particle basis is also discussed.

• Received 15 September 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.57.1738