Evaluation of 163Ho production options for neutrino mass measurements with microcalorimeter detectors

The rare-earth isotope 163Ho is of interest for large experiments hoping to improve the precision of neutrino mass measurements to less than 0.1 eV. While a variety of potential production methods exist, production of this isotope in quantities and purities suitable for large-scale neutrino mass measurements is challenging. In particular, the co-production of 166mHo may limit the utility of a given production method; avoiding this radioactive contaminant is discussed. This work compares available production methods and presents the results of theoretical studies which examine achievable quantity and purity of 163Ho production in support of the effort to measure neutrino mass.