Pixel detectors in double beta decay experiments, a new approach for background reduction

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4818079· OSTI ID:22218202

Jose, J. M.; Čermák, P.; Štekl, I.; Rukhadze, E. N. ^[1]; Shitov, Yu. A. ^[2]; Rukhadze, N. I.; Brudanin, V. B. ^[3]; Fiederle, M.; Fauler, A. ^[4]; Loaiza, P. ^[5]

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1. Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Czech Technical University in Prague, Horska 3a/22, 12800 Prague 2 (Czech Republic)
2. Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK and Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Joliot-Curie 6, 141980 Dubna, Moscow region (Russian Federation)
3. Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Joliot-Curie 6, 141980 Dubna, Moscow region (Russian Federation)
4. Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, D-79104 Freiburg (Germany)
5. Laboratoire Souterrain de Modane, 73500 Modane (France)

Double beta decay (ββ) experiments are challenging frontiers in contemporary physics. These experiments have the potential to investigate more about neutrinos (eg. nature and mass). The main challenge for these experiments is the reduction of background. The group at IEAP, CTU in Prague is investigating a new approach using pixel detectors Timepix. Pixel detector offer background reduction capabilities with its ability to identify the particle interaction (from the 2D signature it generates). However, use of pixel detectors has some challenges such as the presence of readout electronics near the sensing medium and heat dissipation. Different aspects of pixel setup (identification of radio-impurities, selection of radio-pure materials) and proposed experimental setup are presented. Also, results of preliminary background measurements (performed on the surface and in the underground laboratories) using the prototype setups are presented.

• OSTI ID: 22218202
• 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
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
DOUBLE BETA DECAY
ENERGY LOSSES
HEAT TRANSFER
NEUTRINOS
PARTICLE INTERACTIONS
POSITION SENSITIVE DETECTORS
READOUT SYSTEMS
SI SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY
THERMAL EFFLUENTS
UNDERGROUND