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1737865 
Journal Article 
First search for double beta decay of dysprosium 
Belli, P; Bernabei, R; Cappella, F; Cerulli, R; Danevich, FA; D'Angelo, S; Di Vacri, ML; Incicchitti, A; Laubenstein, M; Nagorny, SS; Nisi, S; Tolmachev, AV; Tretyak, VI; Yavetskiy, RP 
2011 
1 
Nuclear Physics, Section A
ISSN: 0375-9474 
859 
1 
126-139 
WOS:000292430300010 
A search for double beta decay of dysprosium was realized for the first time with the help of an ultra-low background HP Ge gamma detector. After 2512 h of data taking with a 322 g sample of dysprosium oxide limits on double beta processes in (156)Dy and (158)Dy have been established on the level of T(1/2) >= 10(14)-10(16) yr. Possible resonant double electron captures in (156)Dy and (158)Dy were restricted on a similar level. As a by-product of the experiment we have measured the radioactive contamination of the Dy(2)O(3) sample and set limits on the alpha decay of dysprosium isotopes to the excited levels of daughter nuclei as T(1/2) >= 10(15)-10(17) yr. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 
RADIOACTIVITY (156)Dy(2EC), (beta(+) EC), (alpha); (158)Dy(2EC), (alpha); (160,161,162)Dy(alpha); measured E gamma,I gamma; deduced T(1/2) lower limits for a and various 2 beta-decay modes; Natural Dy(2)O(3) sample of 322 g; Ultra-low background HPGe detector at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory underground facility