NEXT, a HPGXe TPC for neutrinoless double beta decay searches

We propose a novel detection concept for neutrinoless double-beta decay searches. This concept is based on a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) filled with high-pressure gaseous xenon, and with separated-function capabilities for calorimetry and tracking. Thanks to its excellent energy resolution, togeth...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:arXiv.org 2009-07
Main Authors: The NEXT Collaboration, Granena, F, Lux, T, Nova, F, Rico, J, Sanchez, F, Nygren, D R, Barata, J A S, F I G M Borges, Conde, C A N, T H V T Dias, Fernandes, L M P, Freitas, E D C, Lopes, J A M, Monteiro, C M B, J M F dos Santos, Santos, F P, Tavora, L M N, J F C A Veloso, Calvo, E, Gil-Botella, I, Novella, P, Palomares, C, Verdugo, A, Giomataris, I, Ferrer-Ribas, E, Hernando-Morata, J A, Martinez, D, Cid, X, Ball, M, Carcel, S, Cervera, A, Diaz, J, Gil, A, Gomez-Cadenas, J J, Martin-Albo, J, Monrabal, F, Munoz-Vidal, J, Serra, L, Sorel, M, Yahlali, N, R Esteve Bosch, Lerche, C W, Martinez, J D, Mora, F J, Sebastia, A, Tarazona, A, Toledo, J F, Lazaro, M, Perez, J L, Ripoll, L, Carmona, J M, Cebrian, S, Dafni, T, Galan, J, Gomez, H, Iguaz, F J, Irastorza, I G, Luzon, G, Morales, J, Rodriguez, A, Ruz, J, Tomas, A, Villar, J A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beta decay
Construction planning
Design specifications
Energy resolution
R&D
Radiation counters
Research & development
Searching
Xenon
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:We propose a novel detection concept for neutrinoless double-beta decay searches. This concept is based on a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) filled with high-pressure gaseous xenon, and with separated-function capabilities for calorimetry and tracking. Thanks to its excellent energy resolution, together with its powerful background rejection provided by the distinct double-beta decay topological signature, the design discussed in this Letter Of Intent promises to be competitive and possibly out-perform existing proposals for next-generation neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments. We discuss the detection principles, design specifications, physics potential and R&D plans to construct a detector with 100 kg fiducial mass in the double-beta decay emitting isotope Xe(136), to be installed in the Canfranc Underground Laboratory.
ISSN:2331-8422