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First array of enriched Zn[Formula: see text]Se bolometers to search for double beta decay
D R Artusa1,2, A Balzoni3,4, J W Beeman5
1INFN-Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, 67010 Assergi (L'Aquila), Italy.
The European Physical Journal. C, Particles and Fields
|March 11, 2017
Summary
The CUPID-0 experiment utilizes Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) scintillating bolometers for neutrino-less double beta decay searches. Initial tests confirm that the ZnSe crystals meet the stringent performance requirements for energy resolution, background rejection, and radio-purity.
Area of Science:
- Particle Physics
- Experimental Physics
- Nuclear Physics
Background:
- Zinc Selenide (ZnSe) scintillating bolometers show promise for detecting neutrino-less double beta decay.
- The CUPID-0 experiment is the first large-scale implementation of this technology.
- Key components like enriched isotopes, crystal growth, and light detectors are ready.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of the first ZnSe crystals for the CUPID-0 experiment.
- To verify if the crystals meet the demanding criteria for neutrino-less double beta decay searches.
- To validate the technology readiness for the CUPID-0 construction.
Main Methods:
- Testing three ZnSe crystals as scintillating bolometers.
- Assessing energy resolution capabilities.
- Evaluating background rejection efficiency.
- Measuring intrinsic radio-purity levels.
Main Results:
- The tested ZnSe scintillating bolometers demonstrate excellent energy resolution.
- Effective background rejection capabilities were confirmed.
- The intrinsic radio-purity of the crystals meets CUPID-0's requirements.
- The performance aligns with the necessary standards for the experiment.
Conclusions:
- The tested ZnSe crystals are suitable for the CUPID-0 experiment.
- The technology is validated for the search for neutrino-less double beta decay.
- CUPID-0 construction is on track with validated components.
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