Contamination control and assay results for the Majorana Demonstrator ultra clean components
The Majorana Demonstrator is a neutrinoless double beta decay experiment utilizing enriched Ge-76 detectors in 2 separate modules inside of a common solid shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. The Demonstrator has utilized world leading assay sensitivities to develop clean materials and processes for producing ultra-pure copper and plastic components. This experiment is now operating, and initial data provide new insights into the success of cleaning and processing. Post production copper assays after the completion of Module 1 showed an increase in U and Th contamination in finished parts compared to starting bulk material. A revised cleaning method and additional round of surface contamination studies prior to Module 2 construction have provided evidence that more rigorous process control can reduce surface contamination. In conclusion, this article describes the assay results and discuss further studies to take advantage of assay capabilities for the purpose of maintaining ultra clean fabrication and process design.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Nuclear Physics (NP)
- Contributing Organization:
- Majorana Collaboration
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC02-05CH11231
- OSTI ID:
- 1460306
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1921, Issue 1; ISSN 0094-243X
- Publisher:
- American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay Experiment
|
journal | January 2014 |
The Majorana Demonstrator radioassay program
|
journal | August 2016 |
Background-free search for neutrinoless double-β decay of 76Ge with GERDA
|
journal | April 2017 |
The Majorana Parts Tracking Database
|
journal | April 2015 |
Cleaning and passivation of copper surfaces to remove surface radioactivity and prevent oxide formation
|
journal | August 2007 |
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