Low-energy proton detection using silicon drift detectors, and precision measurements of the proton asymmetry in neutron decay

与传统技术相比，硅漂移探测器（sdd）在探测中子衰变中的质子方面具有显著的优势。对于加速到仅几个keV的质子，可以观察到信号与噪声的极好分离。鉴于计划中的PERC仪器的有效利用，建议进一步研究这种独特探测器的性质，其范围是在中子衰变研究中最大限度地减少系统影响。尽管PERC将提供更高的计数率，但现在已经可以使用美因茨大学和慕尼黑工业大学合作开发的现有光谱仪进行质子计数和中子衰变光谱的实验研究。为了充分利用aSPECT的潜力，建议开发和使用一个大的9单元SDD。作为对质子反冲谱测量的补充（由W. Heil申请拨款），应在0.1%的精度水平上对中子衰变中的质子不对称性进行首次测量。

Silicon drift detectors (SDDs) offer significant advantages for the detection of protons from neutron decay compared to more traditional techniques. An excellent separation of the signal from noise is observed for protons accelerated to only a few keV. In view of an efficient exploitation of the planned instrument PERC it is proposed to further investigate the properties of this unique detector with the scope to minimise systematic effects in neutron decay studies. Although PERC will provide much higher count rates, experimental studies on proton counting and spectroscopy in neutron decay can be performed already now using the existing spectrometer aSPECT developed in a collaboration of Mainz University and the TU Munich. To use the full potential of aSPECT it is proposed to develop and employ a large 9-cell SDD. Complementary to a measurement of the proton recoil spectrum (grant application by W. Heil) a first measurement of the proton asymmetry in neutron decay on the 0.1 % accuracy level shall be performed.