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Weak processes in light nuclei with quantum Monte Carlo methods

ORAL

Abstract

Measurements of beta decay spectra and searches for neutrinoless double beta decay will address important questions within fundamental symmetries. The interpretation of new physics signals requires an accurate understanding of the underlying nuclear dynamics. We aim to achieve this with quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods which allow one to solve the many-body Schr\"{o}dinger equation while retaining the full complexity of the nuclear system. In this talk, we discuss an overview of {\it ab initio} calculations of weak processes using QMC with the Norfolk local chiral interaction and its consistent electroweak currents. We present model validation via calculations of Gamow-Teller matrix elements and partial muon capture rates as well as a prediction of the $^6$He beta decay spectrum.

Presenters

  • Garrett B King

    Washington University, St. Louis

Authors

  • Garrett B King

    Washington University, St. Louis

  • Saori Pastore

    Washington University, St. Louis, Washington U. in St. Louis

  • Maria Piarulli

    Washington University, St. Louis