  The search for neutrinoless double beta decay is a rich source for new
physics. The observation of this decay will lead to understanding of the
absolute mass scale of neutrinos, the Majorana nature of the neutrino (whether
the neutrino is its own anti-particle), and lepton number violation. Double
beta decay is being investigated around the world by several experiments using
different candidate isotopes. There has been much progress made in experimental
techniques recently such that achieving sensitivity to neutrino masses at 50
meV and below will be possible in the near future. A summary of recent results
in neutrinoless double beta decay is discussed with a look toward the
experimental goals for the future.
