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Title: Research and development of a helium-4 based solar neutrino detector. Progress report, November 1, 1991--April 30, 1993

Abstract

Superfluid helium possesses unique properties that enable it to be used as the major component of a very sensitive calorimetric detector: it is extremely pure, and the energy deposited in it is carried out by elementary excitations of the liquid which can produce quantum evaporation of He atoms at a free surface. It has a major advantage of being able to achieve very low background levels. Experimental results presented on the development of helium-4 detector include sensitivity, heat capacity of wafer-calorimeters, coincidence measurements, spectrum of alpha particles in helium, and quantum evaporation: angular dependence and efficiency. 29 refs., 16 figs., 1 tab.

Authors:
; ;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Brown Univ., Providence, RI (United States). Dept. of Physics
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
10103776
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/40452-9
ON: DE94002417; BR: KB0401000; TRN: 94:001345
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-88ER40452
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: May 1993
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; NEUTRINO DETECTION; HELIUM II; RADIATION DETECTORS; DESIGN; SOLAR NEUTRINOS; PERFORMANCE TESTING; CALORIMETERS; PROGRESS REPORT; 440101; GENERAL DETECTORS OR MONITORS AND RADIOMETRIC INSTRUMENTS

Citation Formats

Lanou, R.E., Maris, H.J., and Seidel, G.M. Research and development of a helium-4 based solar neutrino detector. Progress report, November 1, 1991--April 30, 1993. United States: N. p., 1993. Web. doi:10.2172/10103776.
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Lanou, R.E., Maris, H.J., & Seidel, G.M. Research and development of a helium-4 based solar neutrino detector. Progress report, November 1, 1991--April 30, 1993. United States. doi:10.2172/10103776.
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Lanou, R.E., Maris, H.J., and Seidel, G.M. Sat . "Research and development of a helium-4 based solar neutrino detector. Progress report, November 1, 1991--April 30, 1993". United States. doi:10.2172/10103776. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/10103776.
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@article{osti_10103776,
title = {Research and development of a helium-4 based solar neutrino detector. Progress report, November 1, 1991--April 30, 1993},
author = {Lanou, R.E. and Maris, H.J. and Seidel, G.M.},
abstractNote = {Superfluid helium possesses unique properties that enable it to be used as the major component of a very sensitive calorimetric detector: it is extremely pure, and the energy deposited in it is carried out by elementary excitations of the liquid which can produce quantum evaporation of He atoms at a free surface. It has a major advantage of being able to achieve very low background levels. Experimental results presented on the development of helium-4 detector include sensitivity, heat capacity of wafer-calorimeters, coincidence measurements, spectrum of alpha particles in helium, and quantum evaporation: angular dependence and efficiency. 29 refs., 16 figs., 1 tab.},
doi = {10.2172/10103776},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Sat May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993},
month = {Sat May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993}
}
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Technical Report:
View Technical Report (2.26 MB)
DOI:  10.2172/10103776
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    In this report we describe results of experiments to detect low energy radiation in superfluid helium. The ultimate aim of this research is to establish the feasibility of this technique for use in detecting neutrinos from the p-p and Be-7 reactions in the sun. In these experiments we have seen the first detection of 5.5 MeV {alpha} particles via evaporation from a bath of superfluid helium. An {alpha} particle excites phonons and rotons in the liquid helium, and these excitations are sufficiently energetic to evaporate helium atoms when they reach the free surface of the liquid. The evaporated atoms aremore » detected calorimetrically by a thin wafer suspended above the liquid. The approximate overall efficiency of this process has been determined and we compare the experimental results with expectations. We have also been able to detect evaporation induced by a flux of gamma rays from a Cs-137 source. Preparations made for new experiments are also discussed.« less

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    This research project is designed to develop and test a new technique for detecting neutrinos using liquid /sup 4/He in the superfluid state. Following the test results it should be possible to design a practical detector leading to the ultimate goal of detecting low energy solar neutrinos. The project was initiated on May of this year and these first seven months have been devoted to the design and construction of apparatus to carry out these tests. Construction is continuing and is described in this report.

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    This Progress Report covers the first six months of our May 1989 Continuation Grant. The purpose of the project is to develop and test a new detection technique for neutrinos using {sup 4}He in the superfluid state. Based upon the expected test results it should be possible to design a practical detector leading to the ultimate goal of detecting low energy solar neutrinos. During the last six months the construction phase has moved ahead substantially. Among the areas of progress discussed in the report are: the construction of the cryostat and dilution refrigerators; the gas handling systems; computer system design;more » tests for radioactivity of construction materials and roton pulse simulation by computer. 5 figs.« less

  • ; ;
    In this report we describe results of experiments to detect low energy radiation in superfluid helium. The ultimate aim of this research is to establish the feasibility of this technique for use in detecting neutrinos from the p-p and Be-7 reactions in the sun. In these experiments we have seen the first detection of 5.5 MeV {alpha} particles via evaporation from a bath of superfluid helium. An {alpha} particle excites phonons and rotons in the liquid helium, and these excitations are sufficiently energetic to evaporate helium atoms when they reach the free surface of the liquid. The evaporated atoms aremore » detected calorimetrically by a thin wafer suspended above the liquid. The approximate overall efficiency of this process has been determined and we compare the experimental results with expectations. We have also been able to detect evaporation induced by a flux of gamma rays from a Cs-137 source. Preparations made for new experiments are also discussed.« less

  • ; ;
    We report on work accomplished in the first 30 months of a research and development program to investigate the feasibility of a new technique to detect solar neutrinos in superfluid helium. Accomplishments include the successful completion of design, construction and operation of the entire cryogenic, mechanical and electronic apparatus. During the last several months we have begun a series of experiments in superfluid helium to test the method. Experimental results include the first observation of the combined physical processes essential to the detection technique: ballistic roton generation by energetic charged particles, quantum evaporation of helium at a free surface andmore » bolometric detection of the evaporated helium by physisorption on a cold silicon wafer. Additional results are also presented.« less