A search for double beta decay in sup 136 Xe with a time projection chamber

Miscellaneous · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5316723

Wong, H T.K.

This thesis describes an experimental study of both the 0{nu} and 2{nu} double beta decay in {sup 136}Xe with a Time Projection Chamber (TPC). The excellent track reconstruction capability of the TPC enables powerful background rejection. The construction and performance of the TPC, as well as the experimental features for background control are described. The TPC with its lead shielding has been installed in the Gotthard Tunnel Underground Laboratory in May 1990. Results from early background measurements using 5 atm of xenon depleted in {sup 136}Xe are presented. Based on the background data, the projected sensitivities to the 0{nu} and 2{nu} modes with one year of run time in 60% enriched {sup 136}Xe are 3.2 {times} 10{sup 23} years and 1.2 {times} 10{sup 21} y ears, respectively. Both numbers represent an order of magnitude improvements over previous experiments. Adopting the nuclear matrix elements from Vogel, the 0{nu} sensitivity implies a Majorana neutrino mass parameter of 4.5 eV.

• Research Organization: California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena, CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5316723
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph.D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
XENON 136
DOUBLE BETA DECAY
MAJORANA THEORY
MASS
MATRIX ELEMENTS
NEUTRINOS
PERFORMANCE
SHIELDING
TIME PROJECTION CHAMBERS
BETA DECAY
BETA-MINUS DECAY
DECAY
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
FERMIONS
INTERMEDIATE MASS NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
LEPTONS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
NUCLEAR DECAY
NUCLEI
STABLE ISOTOPES
XENON ISOTOPES
663210* - Ground-State Radioactivity- (1992-)
663560 - Nuclear Mass Ranges- A=90-149- (1992-)