Search for a Light Scalar Boson Emitted in Nuclear Decay

Abstract

The possibility that a scalar boson is sometimes emitted in the decay of $^{4}\mathrm{He}$(20.1 MeV, ${0}^{+}$) is examined experimentally. Finding no positive evidence the authors exclude scalars with Higgs-like couplings for $3\ensuremath{\lesssim}{m}_{\ensuremath{\phi}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}14$ MeV/${\mathit{c}}^{2}$, where the precise range depends upon the model.