Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Barabash, A S

Publications and source records attributed to Barabash, A S.

New generation of double beta decay experiments: are there any limitations?

New generation of experiments to search for neutrinoless double beta decay with sensitivity to effective Majorana neutrino mass on the level of {approx}3-5 meV is discussed. Possible restrictions in achievement of this sensitivity such as: possibility to produce large amount of enriched isotopes, possibility to reach of a very low level of background, energy resolution and possible cost of experiments are considered. It is shown that for realization of so ambitious project 10 tons (or more) of enriched isotope is required. Background index should be on the level {<=}10{sup -5}-10{sup -6} c/kg{center_dot}keV{center_dot}y. In addition, the energy resolution of the detector should be no worse than 1-2%. It is shown that {sup 130}TeO{sub 2} low temperature bolometer could be the most realistic candidate for such an experiment. Under certain conditions experiments with {sup 76}Ge, {sup 100}Mo and {sup 136}Xe can be realized too.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

The Majorana Experiment

The Majorana collaboration is actively pursuing research and development aimed at a tonne-scale {sup 76}Ge neutrinoless double-beta decay ({beta}{beta}(0{nu})-decay) experiment. The current, primary focus is the construction of the Majorana Demonstrator experiment, an R and D effort that will field approximately 40 kg of germanium detectors with mixed enrichment levels. This article provides a status update on the construction of the Demonstrator.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Improved limits on {beta}{sup +}EC and ECEC processes in {sup 112}Sn

Limits on {beta}{sup +}EC and ECEC processes in {sup 112}Sn have been obtained using a 380 cm{sup 3} HPGe detector and an external source consisting of 100 g enriched tin (94.32% of {sup 112}Sn). A limit with 90% C.L. on the {sup 112}Sn half-life of 1.3x10{sup 21} yr for the ECEC(0{nu}) transition to the 0{sub 3}{sup +} excited state in {sup 112}Cd (1871 keV) has been established. This transition has been discussed in the context of a possible enhancement of the decay rate. The limits on other {beta}{sup +}EC and ECEC processes in {sup 112}Sn have also been obtained on the level of (0.1-1.6)x10{sup 21} yr at the 90% C.L.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

The MAJORANA Experiment

The Majorana Collaboration is assembling an array of HPGe detectors to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in {sup 76}Ge. Initially, Majorana aims to construct a prototype module to demonstrate the potential of a future 1-tonne experiment. The design and potential reach of this prototype Demonstrator module are presented.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗