CaMoO/sub 4/ scintillation crystal for the search of /sup 100/Mo double beta decay

Scintillation properties of calcium molybdate are investigated. Emission spectrum is broad with a maximum at 520 nm, at room temperature light yield is 400 photoelectrons/MeV, decay time is 17 /spl mu/s, at cooling light yield and decay time increase. Prospects of optimization of this scintillator are discussed. Feasibility of the material for the search of neutrinoless double beta decay of /sup 100/Mo is analyzed. Half life limit of T/sub 1/2/ = 1 /spl middot/ 10/sup 25/ years (68% CL) seems feasible with CaMoO/sub 4/ scintillator, containing 10 kg of /sup 100/Mo after 5 year of measurements. The problem of background due to two neutrino double beta decay of /sup 48/Ca is considered. Request for new scintillators for double beta decay search is formulated.