Experimental search for molecular-nuclear transitions in water

Experimental search for molecular-nuclear transitions H_2O\to^{18}Ne^*(4.522,1^-)\to^{18}F\to^{18}O in water molecules was carried out. The measurements were performed in a low-background laboratory at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory. Under the assumption that the above transitions take place, the estimate for the half-life time of water molecule was found to be about 10^{18} years.