Double Beta Decay andΔQ=2Currents

We present a calculation of double beta decay using a model that is consistent with the Konopinski-Mahmoud lepton-number-conservation scheme. In the model used, the decay occurs via a $\Delta Q=2\mathrm{}$ interaction $N^{*}\to N+{\mu }^{-}+e^{-}$ followed by the decay ${\mu }^{-}\to e^{-}{\overline{\nu }}_e{\nu }_{\mu }$. We conclude that although similar models incorporating $\Delta Q=2\mathrm{}$ currents may deal adequately with hypothetical processes in which there are no competing mechanisms, this model does not properly explain two-neutrino double beta decay, which may occur through more conventional channels.