CaMoO/sub 4/ scintillation crystal for the search of /sup 100/Mo double beta decay

Abstract

Scintillation properties of calcium molybdate are investigated. The emission spectrum is broad with a maximum at 520 nm. At room temperature the light yield is 4% of CsI(Tl) (400 photoelectrons/MeV) and the decay time is 17 /spl mu/s. During cooling the light yield and decay time increase. Prospects of optimization of this scintillator are also discussed. The feasibility of the material for the search of neutrinoless double beta decay of /sup 100/Mo is analyzed. A half life limit of T/sub 1/2/=1/spl middot/10/sup 25/ years (68% CL) seems feasible with CaMoO/sub 4/ scintillator, running with 10 kg of /sup 100/Mo for 5 years. The background due to two neutrino double beta decay of /sup 48/Ca is also considered. Requirements for new scintillators for double beta decay search are formulated.