Navigating the pitfalls of relic neutrino detection

Understand

Beta-spectrum of radioactive atoms was long ago predicted to bear an imprint of the Cosmic Neutrino Background (C$\nu$B).

• Over the years, it has been recognised that the best chance of achieving the signal-to-noise ratio required for the observation of this effect lies with solid-state designs.
• Here we bring to the fore a fundamental quantum limitation on the type of beta-decayer that can be used in such a design.
• We derive a simple usability criterion and show that $^3\rm H$, which is the most popular choice, fails to meet it.