ZnWO 4 crystals as detectors for 2 β decay and dark matter experiments

Energy resolution, α/β ratio, and the pulse shape discrimination ability of the ZnWO 4 crystal scintillators were studied. The radioactive contamination of a ZnWO 4 crystal was investigated in the Solotvina Underground Laboratory. Possibilities to apply ZnWO 4 crystals for the dark matter and double beta decay searches are discussed. New improved half-life limits on double beta decay in zinc isotopes were established, in particular, for εβ + decay of 64