Constraints for rare electron-capture decays mimicking detection of dark-matter particles in nuclear transitions

Summary

Theoretical estimates of rare electron-capture decays in 44Ti, 57Co, and 139Ce are provided for the first time, relevant for searches of exotic dark-matter particles.

Highlights

• The nuclear shell model is used to calculate the rare electron-capture decay branchings.
• The estimates are crucial for terrestrial searches of dark-matter particles, such as axionic dark matter and dark photons.
• The study focuses on 44Ti, 57Co, and 139Ce, which are suitable candidates for detection of new dark-matter particles.
• The calculations are performed using well-established Hamiltonians and an advanced theory of β decay.
• The results provide a way to estimate the lower limits for the branching ratios of the rare electron-capture transitions.
• The study suggests that the quenched effective value of the weak axial coupling appears as a free parameter for all β transitions.
• The most conservative estimates for the branching ratios are provided, which can serve as a reference for future experiments.

Key Insights

• Theoretical estimates of rare electron-capture decays in 44Ti, 57Co, and 139Ce are essential for understanding the potential background in searches for exotic dark-matter particles.
• The nuclear shell model is a reliable tool for calculating the rare electron-capture decay branchings, which is crucial for terrestrial searches of dark-matter particles.
• The study highlights the importance of considering the quenched effective value of the weak axial coupling as a free parameter for all β transitions.
• The results provide a way to estimate the lower limits for the branching ratios of the rare electron-capture transitions, which can serve as a reference for future experiments.
• The most conservative estimates for the branching ratios are provided, which can be used to constrain the parameters of exotic dark-matter particles.
• The study demonstrates the potential of nuclear-structure calculations in providing valuable insights into the properties of rare electron-capture decays.
• The results have significant implications for the search for dark-matter particles and the understanding of the properties of rare electron-capture decays.

Mindmap

Citation

Agnihotri, A., Suhonen, J., & Kim, H. J. (2024). Constraints for rare electron-capture decays mimicking detection of dark-matter particles in nuclear transitions. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/ARXIV.2405.15591