Simulation studies for source optimization in 96Zr β decay

Abstract

The single β decay of 96Zr to the ground state of 96Nb is spin forbidden and poses a great experimental challenge. The β decay of 96Zr can be studied via coincident detection of de-exciting gamma rays in 96Mo, which is the end product of 96Nb β decay. Simulations are done with four high purity Ge (HPGe) detector setup (∼ 33% relative efficiency each) to optimize the source configuration. The results suggest that ∼ 70 g of 50% enriched 96Zr will yield sensitivity comparable to the reported results.