Characterization of 30 Ge enriched Broad Energy Ge detectors for GERDA Phase II.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics
• Particle physics
• Experimental physics

Background:

• The GERmanium Detector Array (Gerda) experiment searches for neutrinoless double-beta decay of Germanium-76.
• Gerda Phase II utilizes novel Broad Energy Germanium (BEGe) detectors for enhanced performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the properties and performance of new BEGe detectors for Gerda Phase II.
• To evaluate the background discrimination and energy resolution of BEGe detectors.
• To validate pulse shape simulation codes using experimental data.

Main Methods:

• Detailed characterization of 30 new 76Ge enriched BEGe detectors.
• Detector operation and performance evaluation in vacuum cryostats.
• Data analysis for detector phenomena, correlations, and simulation code accuracy.

Main Results:

• BEGe detectors demonstrate superior background discrimination and energy resolution compared to previous designs.
• Comprehensive performance data was obtained for Gerda Phase II operations.
• Validation of pulse shape simulation codes was achieved through experimental measurements.

Conclusions:

• The new BEGe detectors are well-suited for the Gerda Phase II experiment, promising improved sensitivity.
• The characterization campaign provided essential data for data analysis and detector performance understanding.
• The study contributes to advancements in germanium detector technology and simulation accuracy for rare event searches.