Abstract: The unknown isotope (26)S, expected to decay by two-proton (2p) emission, was studied theoretically and searched experimentally. The structure of this nucleus was examined within the relativistic mean field (RMF) approach. A method for taking into account the many-body structure in the three-body decay calculations was developed. The results of the RMF calculations were used as an input for the three-cluster decay model optimized for the study of a possible 2p decay branch of this nucleus. The experimental search for (26)S was performed by fragmentation of a 50.3 A MeV (32)S beam. No events of a particles table (26)S or (25)P (a presumably proton-unstable subsystem of (26)S) were observed. Based on the obtained production systematics, an upper half-life limit of T(1/2) < 79 ns was established from the time-of-flight through the fragment separator. Together with the theoretical lifetime estimates for two-proton decay, this gives a decay energy limit of Q(2p) > 640 keV for (26)S. Analogous limits for (25)P are found as T(1/2) < 38 ns and Q(p) > 110 keV. In the case that the one-proton emission is the main branch of the (26)S decay, a limit Q(2p) > 230 keV would follow for this nucleus. According to these limits, it is likely that (26)S resides in the picosecond life time range

Abstract: Neutrinos are the only particles in the Standard Model that could be Majorana fermions, that is, completely neutral fermions that are their own antiparticles. The most sensitive known experimental method to verify whether neutrinos are Majorana particles is the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay. The last 2 decades have witnessed the development of a vigorous program of neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments, spanning several isotopes and developing different strategies to handle the backgrounds masking a possible signal. In addition, remarkable progress has been made in the understanding of the nuclear matrix elements of neutrinoless double-beta decay, thus reducing a substantial part of the theoretical uncertainties affecting the particle-physics interpretation of the process. On the other hand, the negative results by several experiments, combined with the hints that the neutrino mass ordering could be normal, may imply very long lifetimes for the neutrinoless double-beta decay process. In this report, we review the main aspects of such process, the recent progress on theoretical ideas and the experimental state of the art. We then consider the experimental challenges to be addressed to increase the sensitivity to detect the process in the likely case that lifetimes are much longer than currently explored, and discuss a selection of the most promising experimental efforts.

Abstract: After a halt of four years, the nTOF spallation neutron facility at CERN has resumed operation in November 2008 with a new spallation target characterized by an improved safety and engineering design, resulting in a more robust overall performance and efficient cooling. The first measurement during the 2009 run has aimed at the full characterization of the neutron beam. Several detectors, such as calibrated fission chambers, the nTOF Silicon Monitor, a MicroMegas detector with (10)B and (235)U samples, as well as liquid and solid scintillators have been used in order to characterize the properties of the neutron fluence. The spatial profile of the beam has been studied with a specially designed “X-Y” MicroMegas which provided a 2D image of the beam as a function of neutron energy. Both properties have been compared with simulations performed. with the FLUKA code. The characterization of the resolution function is based on results from simulations which have been verified by the study of narrow capture resonances. of (56)Fe, which were measured as part of a new campaign of (n,gamma) measurements on Fe and Ni isotopes.