📝 SummarXiv

Abstract

We present a novel shell-model approach to investigate possible theoretical uncertainties in the description of Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions regarding the $\beta$ decays of heavy nuclei. Our method systematically accounts for key factors including nuclear force or collectivity (intrinsic deformation), quantum many-body correlations (e.g., configuration space truncation), and contributions from transition operators (e.g., chiral two-body currents). Using the neutrinoless double $\beta$-decay candidate $^{76}$Ge as a benchmark, we compare our calculations with the charge-exchange reaction data, demonstrating that increased deformation tends to a reduction in the GT transition strengths of $^{76}$Ge. Furthermore, the inclusion of higher-order quasiparticle configurations provides a more realistic description of nuclear structure, revealing two key effects: (1) a rapid increase in nuclear level density with excitation energy, and (2) fragmentation of GT strengths, shifting their distribution toward higher-energy states. Additionally, chiral two-body currents induce a $5-15\%$ quenching in the transition strength, with the exact magnitude depending on the choice of coupling constants.