New Avenues in Neutrino and Astroparticle Physics using Modified Electrode p-type Germanium Detectors

使用改进电极 p 型锗探测器开辟中微子和天体粒子物理的新途径

• 批准号: 0653605
• 负责人: Juan Collar
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: University of Chicago
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2007
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2007-09-01 至 2010-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0653605&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: New; Avenues; Neutrino; Astroparticle; Physics

A research program is described leading to the exploitation of a new type of radiation detector, a large-mass p-type Germanium diode with a modified electrode structure that results in an ultra-low energy threshold and advanced pulse-shape discrimination capabilities, while preserving an optimal energy resolution. It is proposed to use such devices for numerous applications in a variety of areas: for instance, the existing prototype is the first detector with sufficient mass and a demonstrated sensitivity to very low-energy (subkeV) nuclear recoils to allow a first measurement of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering in a reactor experiment. The same experiment would lead to an improved sensitivity to a finite neutrino magnetic moment. Many exciting opportunities for such a coherent neutrino detector technology exist, both in fundamental and applied Physics. Searches would also be possible for several types of Weakly Interacting Massive Particle dark matter candidates presently beyond the reach of any existing detector. Finally, the design performs ideally within the context of next-generation double beta decay searches using enriched Ge diodes (MAJORANA, GERDA), by accomplishing an efficient background rejection within a single-channel device, avoiding the complications and risks involved in using multi-channel segmented detectors.Support is requested for a multi-year R&D program to further characterize the fabrication technique of this novel type of radiation detector, by building an additional six diodes, the intent being to develop the best possible design option for MAJORANA. Modest support is requested for immediate prototype deployment at the Columbia Generating Station, a 3.5 GWt boiling water reactor in Richland (WA), aiming at a first measurement of the coherent neutrino nuclear scattering cross-section and an improved (anti) neutrino magnetic moment sensitivity. This research will continue to provide multiple opportunities for undergraduate involvement. The prospects and plans for a realistic deployment of small arrays of modified electrode detectors as reactor monitoring devices (non-proliferation safeguards) are also being developed.

描述了一种导致开发新型辐射探测器的研究计划，这种新型辐射探测器是一种大质量p型锗二极管，具有改进的电极结构，在保持最佳能量分辨率的同时，产生超低能量阈值和先进的脉冲形状识别能力。提议将这种装置用于各种领域的许多应用：例如，现有的原型是第一个具有足够质量并证明对极低能量(亚keV)核反冲敏感的探测器，以便能够在反应堆实验中首次测量相干中微子-原子核散射。同样的实验将提高对有限中微子磁矩的敏感度。对于这种相干中微子探测器技术，在基础物理学和应用物理学中都存在许多令人兴奋的机会。对于目前任何现有探测器都达不到的几种弱相互作用的大质量粒子暗物质候选者，搜索也是可能的。最后，通过在单通道器件内实现有效的背景抑制，避免使用多通道分段探测器所涉及的并发症和风险，该设计在使用增强的Ge二极管(Majorana，Gerda)的下一代双β衰变搜索的环境中执行理想的性能。需要支持多年研发计划，通过另外建造六个二极管来进一步表征这种新型辐射探测器的制造技术，目的是为Majorana开发可能的最佳设计方案。需要适度的支持，以便立即在哥伦比亚发电站部署原型，这是一个位于里奇兰(西澳)的3.5GWT沸水反应堆，旨在首次测量相干中微子核散射截面和改善(反)中微子磁矩灵敏度。这项研究将继续为本科生提供多种参与机会。还在制定实际部署小阵列修饰电极探测器作为反应堆监测装置(防扩散保障措施)的前景和计划。