First search for double β decay of dysprosium

A search for double β decay of dysprosium was realized for the first time with the help of an ultra-low background HP Ge γ detector. After 2512 h of data taking with a 322 g sample of dysprosium oxide limits on double beta processes in 156Dy and 158Dy have been established on the level of T1/2⩾1014–1016yr. Possible resonant double electron captures in 156Dy and 158Dy were restricted on a similar level. As a by-product of the experiment we have measured the radioactive contamination of the Dy2O3 sample and set limits on the α decay of dysprosium isotopes to the excited levels of daughter nuclei as T1/2⩾1015–1017yr.