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

一项研究计划描述了一种新型辐射探测器的开发，一种具有改进电极结构的大质量p型锗二极管，其结果是超低能量阈值和先进的脉冲形状识别能力，同时保持最佳的能量分辨率。有人建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的探测器，并证明了对极低能量（亚kev）核反冲的敏感性，从而可以在反应堆实验中首次测量相干中微子-核散射。同样的实验将提高对有限中微子磁矩的灵敏度。在基础物理学和应用物理学中，这种相干中微子探测器技术存在许多令人兴奋的机会。对于目前任何现有探测器都无法探测到的几种弱相互作用大质量粒子暗物质候选者，也有可能进行搜索。最后，该设计在使用富Ge二极管（MAJORANA， GERDA）的下一代双β衰变搜索环境中表现理想，通过在单通道器件内实现有效的背景抑制，避免了使用多通道分割探测器所涉及的复杂性和风险。要求支持一项为期多年的研发计划，通过建造额外的六个二极管，进一步表征这种新型辐射探测器的制造技术，目的是为MAJORANA开发最佳的设计方案。哥伦比亚发电站是位于华盛顿州里奇兰的一个3.5 GWt沸水反应堆，旨在首次测量相干中微子核散射截面和改进（反）中微子磁矩灵敏度。这项研究将继续为本科生参与提供多种机会。目前还在发展实际部署小型改良电极探测器阵列作为反应堆监测装置（不扩散保障措施）的前景和计划。

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.