Modeling surface backgrounds from radon progeny plate-out

Journal Article · Thu Aug 08 00:00:00 EDT 2013 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4818117· OSTI ID:22218190

Perumpilly, G.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Snyder, N. ^[1]

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1. University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota 57069 (United States)

The next generation low-background detectors operating deep underground aim for unprecedented low levels of radioactive backgrounds. The surface deposition and subsequent implantation of radon progeny in detector materials will be a source of energetic background events. We investigate Monte Carlo and model-based simulations to understand the surface implantation profile of radon progeny. Depending on the material and region of interest of a rare event search, these partial energy depositions can be problematic. Motivated by the use of Ge crystals for the detection of neutrinoless double-beta decay, we wish to understand the detector response of surface backgrounds from radon progeny. We look at the simulation of surface decays using a validated implantation distribution based on nuclear recoils and a realistic surface texture. Results of the simulations and measured α spectra are presented.

• OSTI ID: 22218190
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1549, Issue 1; Conference: LRT 2013: 4. international workshop on low radioactivity techniques, Assergi (Italy), 10-12 Apr 2013; Other Information: (c) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ALPHA DETECTION
BACKGROUND RADIATION
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
COSMIC RADIATION
CRYSTALS
DOUBLE BETA DECAY
ENERGY ABSORPTION
ENERGY LOSSES
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
MONTE CARLO METHOD
PLATES
PROGENY
RADON
RECOILS
SURFACES
TEXTURE
UNDERGROUND