Rare weak decays and nuclear structure

Abstract

Weak interactions cause the atomic nuclei to decay via beta and double beta decays. Double beta decays are extremely rare since they are weak-interaction processes of the second order. Also (single) beta decays can be extremely rare. This can be caused by either a large difference between the spins of the initial and final state (the so-called “forbidden” beta decays) or an extremely small Q value (decay energy) of the decay. All these cases are discussed in this article, and particular emphasis is given to the neutrinoless double electron capture on the double beta side of decays