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arXiv · 0704.0306

Neutron Inelastic Scattering Processes as Background for Double-Beta Decay Experiments

D. -M. Mei·S. R. Elliott·A. Hime·V. Gehman·K. Kazkaz
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Abstract

We investigate several Pb$(n,n'γ$) and Ge$(n,n'γ$) reactions. We measure $γ$-ray production from Pb$(n,n'γ$) reactions that can be a significant background for double-beta decay experiments which use lead as a massive inner shield. Particularly worrisome for Ge-based double-beta decay experiments are the 2041-keV and 3062-keV $γ$ rays produced via Pb$(n,n'γ$). The former is very close to the ^{76}Ge double-beta decay endpoint energy and the latter has a double escape peak energy near the endpoint. Excitation $γ$-ray lines from Ge$(n,n'γ$) reactions are also observed. We consider the contribution of such backgrounds and their impact on the sensitivity of next-generation searches for neutrinoless double-beta decay using enriched germanium detectors.

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D. -M. Mei, S. R. Elliott, A. Hime, V. Gehman, K. Kazkaz. 2008-01-26. Neutron Inelastic Scattering Processes as Background for Double-Beta Decay Experiments. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevc.77.054614

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