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Updated: Sep 5, 2025
16:20
Hyperpolarized Xenon for NMR and MRI Applications
Published on: September 6, 2012
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Material radiopurity control in the XENONnT experiment.
E Aprile1, K Abe2, F Agostini3
1Physics Department, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA.
The European Physical Journal. C, Particles and Fields
|July 13, 2022
Summary
Selecting low-radioactivity materials is crucial for the XENONnT experiment. Radioassay screening and advanced cleaning reduced background radiation, ensuring enhanced sensitivity for rare-event searches.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear physics
- Particle astrophysics
- Experimental physics
Background:
- Rare-event searches demand ultra-low background environments.
- Material radioactivity is a primary source of background noise.
- The XENONnT experiment requires stringent material selection protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the radioassay program for XENONnT construction materials.
- To detail the screening methods and cleanliness procedures.
- To quantify the expected background reduction and radon concentration.
Main Methods:
- Gamma-ray spectroscopy for elemental analysis.
- Mass spectrometry for isotopic composition.
- Radon (Rn) emanation measurements.
- Monte Carlo simulations for background prediction.
Main Results:
- Material screening identified low-radioactivity components.
- Cleanliness procedures effectively mitigated surface contamination.
- Predicted materials background reduced by 17% compared to XENON1T.
- Expected radon activity concentration is 4.2 Bq/kg, a threefold decrease.
Conclusions:
- The comprehensive radioassay program ensures the low-radioactivity requirements for XENONnT.
- The implemented measures significantly reduce background, enhancing the experiment's sensitivity.
- A novel radon distillation system will further suppress radon levels.
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