arXiv subjects

C. Di Donato

Publications and source records attributed to C. Di Donato.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

The neutron veto of the XENONnT experiment: Results with demineralized water

Radiogenic neutrons emitted by detector materials are one of the most challenging backgrounds for the direct search of dark matter in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). To mitigate this background, the XENONnT experiment is equipped with a novel gadolinium-doped water Cherenkov detector, which encloses the xenon dual-phase time projection chamber (TPC). The neutron veto (NV) tags neutrons via their capture on gadolinium or hydrogen, which release $γ$-rays that are subsequently detected as Cherenkov light. In this work, we present the key features and the first results of the XENONnT NV when operated with demineralized water in the initial phase of the experiment. Its efficiency for detecting neutrons is $(82\pm 1)\,\%$, the highest neutron detection efficiency achieved in a water Cherenkov detector. This enables a high efficiency of $(53\pm 3)\,\%$ for the tagging of WIMP-like neutron signals, inside a tagging time window of $250\,\mathrm{μs}$ between TPC and NV, leading to a livetime loss of $1.6\,\%$ during the first science run of XENONnT.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Resistive Fine Granularity Micromegas: Characterization and Performance for Different Spark Protection Resistive Schemes

The aim of the presented work is the development of single-stage amplification resistive Micro Pattern Gas Detectors (MPGD) based on Micromegas technology with the following characteristics: ability to efficiently operate up to 10 MHz/cm$^2$ counting rate; scalability to large areas; fine granularity readout with small pads of the order of mm$^2$; good spatial and time resolutions (below 100 $μ$m and 10 ns, respectively). The miniaturization of the readout elements and the optimization of the spark protection system, as well as the stability and robustness under operation, are the primary challenges of the project. Two families of resistive patterns were realized using different techniques: pad-patterned embedded resistors and double-layer of Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) structures foils. Their main difference is that for the embedded resistors the charge is evacuated through independent pads, for double-layer DLC the resistive layers are continuous and uniform and the charge is evacuated through a network of dot-connections, several millimetres apart. Using the DLC technique, a medium-size detector with an active area of 400 cm$^2$ was recently built and tested, with the main results reported in this paper. Additionally, a large module (50x40 cm$^2$ active area), suitable for tiling large systems in future experiments, has been successfully realised and is currently undergoing testing and performance studies. The characterization and performance studies of the detectors were conducted using radioactive sources and an X-rays generator, with the detectors operated with various gas mixtures. A comparison of the results obtained with different resistive layouts and configurations is provided, with a particular focus on the response under high-rate exposure. Key results on tracking and timing performance from test-beam data for the latest constructed medium-size detector are also presented.

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arXiv2024

First Indication of Solar $^8$B Neutrinos via Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering with XENONnT

We present the first measurement of nuclear recoils from solar $^8$B neutrinos via coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering with the XENONnT dark matter experiment. The central detector of XENONnT is a low-background, two-phase time projection chamber with a 5.9 t sensitive liquid xenon target. A blind analysis with an exposure of 3.51 t$\times$yr resulted in 37 observed events above 0.5 keV, with ($26.4^{+1.4}_{-1.3}$) events expected from backgrounds. The background-only hypothesis is rejected with a statistical significance of 2.73 $σ$. The measured $^8$B solar neutrino flux of $(4.7_{-2.3}^{+3.6})\times 10^6 \mathrm{cm}^{-2}\mathrm{s}^{-1}$ is consistent with results from the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. The measured neutrino flux-weighted CE$ν$NS cross section on Xe of $(1.1^{+0.8}_{-0.5})\times10^{-39} \mathrm{cm}^2$ is consistent with the Standard Model prediction. This is the first direct measurement of nuclear recoils from solar neutrinos with a dark matter detector.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

XENONnT Analysis: Signal Reconstruction, Calibration and Event Selection

The XENONnT experiment, located at the INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy, features a 5.9 tonne liquid xenon time projection chamber surrounded by an instrumented neutron veto, all of which is housed within a muon veto water tank. Due to extensive shielding and advanced purification to mitigate natural radioactivity, an exceptionally low background level of (15.8 $\pm$ 1.3) events/(tonne$\cdot$year$\cdot$keV) in the (1, 30) keV region is reached in the inner part of the TPC. XENONnT is thus sensitive to a wide range of rare phenomena related to Dark Matter and Neutrino interactions, both within and beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, with a focus on the direct detection of Dark Matter in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). From May 2021 to December 2021, XENONnT accumulated data in rare-event search mode with a total exposure of one tonne $\cdot$ year. This paper provides a detailed description of the signal reconstruction methods, event selection procedure, and detector response calibration, as well as an overview of the detector performance in this time frame. This work establishes the foundational framework for the `blind analysis' methodology we are using when reporting XENONnT physics results.

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arXiv2024

Offline tagging of radon-induced backgrounds in XENON1T and applicability to other liquid xenon detectors

This paper details the first application of a software tagging algorithm to reduce radon-induced backgrounds in liquid noble element time projection chambers, such as XENON1T and XENONnT. The convection velocity field in XENON1T was mapped out using $^{222}\text{Rn}$ and $^{218}\text{Po}$ events, and the root-mean-square convection speed was measured to be $0.30 \pm 0.01$ cm/s. Given this velocity field, $^{214}\text{Pb}$ background events can be tagged when they are followed by $^{214}\text{Bi}$ and $^{214}\text{Po}$ decays, or preceded by $^{218}\text{Po}$ decays. This was achieved by evolving a point cloud in the direction of a measured convection velocity field, and searching for $^{214}\text{Bi}$ and $^{214}\text{Po}$ decays or $^{218}\text{Po}$ decays within a volume defined by the point cloud. In XENON1T, this tagging system achieved a $^{214}\text{Pb}$ background reduction of $6.2^{+0.4}_{-0.9}\%$ with an exposure loss of $1.8\pm 0.2 \%$, despite the timescales of convection being smaller than the relevant decay times. We show that the performance can be improved in XENONnT, and that the performance of such a software-tagging approach can be expected to be further improved in a diffusion-limited scenario. Finally, a similar method might be useful to tag the cosmogenic $^{137}\text{Xe}$ background, which is relevant to the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

HIKE, High Intensity Kaon Experiments at the CERN SPS

A timely and long-term programme of kaon decay measurements at a new level of precision is presented, leveraging the capabilities of the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS). The proposed programme is firmly anchored on the experience built up studying kaon decays at the SPS over the past four decades, and includes rare processes, CP violation, dark sectors, symmetry tests and other tests of the Standard Model. The experimental programme is based on a staged approach involving experiments with charged and neutral kaon beams, as well as operation in beam-dump mode. The various phases will rely on a common infrastructure and set of detectors.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Snowmass 2021 White Paper Instrumentation Frontier 05 -- White Paper 1: MPGDs: Recent advances and current R&D

This paper will review the origins, development, and examples of new versions of Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors. The goal for MPGD development was the creation of detectors that could cost-effectively cover large areas while offering excellent position and timing resolution, and the ability to operate at high incident particle rates. The early MPGD developments culminated in the formation of the RD51 collaboration which has become the critical organization for the promotion of MPGDs and all aspects of their production, characterization, simulation, and uses in an expanding array of experimental configurations. For the Snowmass 2021 study, a number of Letters of Interest were received that illustrate ongoing developments and expansion of the use of MPGDs. In this paper, we highlight high precision timing, high rate application, trigger capability expansion of the SRS readout system, and a structure designed for low ion backflow.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

MPGDs for tracking and Muon detection at future high energy physics colliders

In the next years, the energy and intensity frontiers of the experimental Particle Physics will be pushed forward with the upgrade of existing accelerators (LHC at CERN) and the envisaged construction of new machines at energy scales up to hundreds TeV or with unprecedented intensity (FCC-hh, FCC-ee, ILC, Muon Collider). Large size, cost-effective, high-efficiency detection systems in high background environments are required in order to accomplish the physics program. MPGDs offer a diversity of technologies that allow them to meet the required performance challenges at future facilities thanks to the specific advantages that each technology provides. MPGDs allow stable operation, with environmentally friendly gas mixtures, at very high background particle flux with high detection efficiency and excellent spatial resolution. These features make MPGD one of the primary choices as precise muon tracking and trigger system in general-purpose detectors at future HEP colliders. In addition, the low material budget and the flexibility of the base material make MPGDs suitable for the development of very light, full cylindrical fine tracking inner trackers at lepton colliders. On-going R&Ds aim at pushing the detector performance at the limits of each technology. We are working in continuing to consolidate the construction and stable operation of large-size detectors, able to cope with large particle fluxes. In this white paper, we describe some of the most prominent MPGD technologies, their performance measurements, the challenges faced in the most recent applications, and the areas of improvement towards efficient tracking and Muon detection at future high energy physics colliders.

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arXiv2018

Construction techniques and performances of a full-size prototype Micromegas chamber for the ATLAS muon spectrometer upgrade

A full-size prototype of a Micromegas precision tracking chamber for the upgrade of the ATLAS detector at the LHC Collider has been built between October 2015 and April 2016. This paper describes in detail the procedures used in constructing the single modules of the chamber in various INFN laboratories and the final assembly at the Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati (LNF). Results of the chamber exposure to the CERN SPS/H8 beam line in June 2016 are also presented. The performances achieved in the construction and the results of the test beam are compared with the requirements, which are imposed by the severe environment during the data-taking of the LHC foreseen for the next years.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2014

Test of CPT and Lorentz symmetry in entangled neutral kaons with the KLOE experiment

Neutral kaon pairs produced in phi decays in anti-symmetric entangled state can be exploited to search for violation of CPT symmetry and Lorentz invariance. We present an analysis of the CP-violating process phi->K_S K_L->pi+pi-pi+pi- based on 1.7 fb-1 of data collected by the KLOE experiment at the Frascati phi-factory DAFNE. The data are used to perform a measurement of the CPT-violating parameters Delta_amu for neutral kaons in the contest of the Standard Model Extension framework. The parameters measured in the reference frame of the fixed stars are: Delta_ao = (-6.0 +- 7.7_{stat} +- 3.1_{syst}) x 10^{-18} GeV Delta_ax = ( 0.9 +- 1.5_{stat} +- 0.6_{syst}) x 10^{-18} GeV Delta_ay = (-2.0 +- 1.5_{stat} +- 0.5_{syst}) x 10^{-18} GeV Delta_az = ( 3.1 +- 1.7_{stat} +- 0.5_{syst}) x 10^{-18} GeV These are presently the most precise measurements in the quark sector of the Standard Model Extension.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2013

IRIDE White Book, An Interdisciplinary Research Infrastructure based on Dual Electron linacs&lasers

This report describes the scientific aims and potentials as well as the preliminary technical design of IRIDE, an innovative tool for multi-disciplinary investigations in a wide field of scientific, technological and industrial applications. IRIDE will be a high intensity 'particle factory', based on a combination of a high duty cycle radio-frequency superconducting electron linac and of high energy lasers. Conceived to provide unique research possibilities for particle physics, for condensed matter physics, chemistry and material science, for structural biology and industrial applications, IRIDE will open completely new research possibilities and advance our knowledge in many branches of science and technology. IRIDE will contribute to open new avenues of discoveries and to address most important riddles: What does matter consist of? What is the structure of proteins that have a fundamental role in life processes? What can we learn from protein structure to improve the treatment of diseases and to design more efficient drugs? But also how does an electronic chip behave under the effect of radiations? How can the heat flow in a large heat exchanger be optimized? The scientific potential of IRIDE is far reaching and justifies the construction of such a large facility in Italy in synergy with the national research institutes and companies and in the framework of the European and international research. It will impact also on R&D work for ILC, FEL, and will be complementarity to other large scale accelerator projects. IRIDE is also intended to be realized in subsequent stages of development depending on the assigned priorities.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2013

Recent results on hadron physics at KLOE

One of the basic motivations of the KLOE and KLOE-2 collaborations is the test of fundamental symmetries and the search for phenomena beyond the Standard Model via the hadronic and leptonic decays of ground-state mesons and via their production in the fusion of virtual gamma quanta exchanged between colliding electrons and positrons. This contribution includes brief description of results of recent analysis of the KLOE data aimed at (i) the search for the dark matter boson, (ii) determination of the hadronic and light-by-light contributions to the g-2 muon anomaly and (iii) tests of QCD anomalies.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2013

A new limit on the CP violating decay KS -> 3pi0 with the KLOE experiment

We have carried out a new direct search for the CP violating decay KS -> 3pi0 with 1.7 fb^-1 of e+e- collisions collected by the KLOE detector at the phi-factory DAFNE. We have searched for this decay in a sample of about 5.9 x 10^8 KS KL events tagging the KS by means of the KL interaction in the calorimeter and requiring six prompt photons. With respect to our previous search, the analysis has been improved by increasing of a factor four the tagged sample and by a more effective background rejection of fake KS tags and spurious clusters. We find no candidates in data and simulated background samples, while we expect 0.12 standard model events. Normalizing to the number of KS -> 2pi0 events in the same sample, we set the upper limit on BR(KS -> 3pi0 < 2.6 x 10^-8 at 90% C.L., five times lower than the previous limit. We also set the upper limit on the eta_000 parameter, |eta_000 | < 0.0088 at 90% C.L., improving by a factor two the latest direct measurement.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2013

Precision measurement of $σ(e^+e^-\rightarrowπ^+π^-γ)/σ(e^+e^-\rightarrow μ^+μ^-γ)$ and determination of the $π^+π^-$ contribution to the muon anomaly with the KLOE detector

We have measured the ratio $σ(e^+e^-\rightarrowπ^+π^-γ)/σ(e^+e^-\rightarrow μ^+μ^-γ)$, with the KLOE detector at DA$Φ$NE for a total integrated luminosity of $\sim$ 240 pb$^{-1}$. From this ratio we obtain the cross section $σ(e^+e^-\rightarrowπ^+π^-)$. From the cross section we determine the pion form factor $|F_π|^2$ and the two-pion contribution to the muon anomaly $a_μ$ for $0.592<M_{ππ}<0.975$ GeV, $Δ^{ππ} a_μ$= $({\rm 385.1\pm1.1_{stat}\pm2.7_{sys+theo}})\times10^{-10}$. This result confirms the current discrepancy between the Standard Model calculation and the experimental measurement of the muon anomaly.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2013

Limit on the production of a light vector gauge boson in phi meson decays with the KLOE detector

We present a new limit on the production of a light dark-force mediator with the KLOE detector at DAPHNE. This boson, called U, has been searched for in the decay phi --> eta U, U --> e+ e-, analyzing the decay eta --> pi0 pi0 pi0 in a data sample of 1.7 fb-1. No structures are observed in the e+e- invariant mass distribution over the background. This search is combined with a previous result obtained from the decay eta --> pi+ pi- pi0, increasing the sensitivity. We set an upper limit at 90% C.L. on the ratio between the U boson coupling constant and the fine structure constant of alpha'/alpha < 1.7x10^-5 for 30<M_U<400 MeV and alpha'/alpha < 8x10^-6 for the sub-region 50<M_U<210 MeV. This result assumes the Vector Meson Dominance expectations for the phietagamma^* transition form factor. The dependence of this limit on the transition form factor has also been studied.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Measurement of η meson production in γγ interactions and Γ(η-->γγ) with the KLOE detector

We present a measurement of η meson production in photon-photon interactions produced by electron-positron beams colliding with \sqrt{s}=1 GeV. The measurement is done with the KLOE detector at the ϕ-factory DAΦNE with an integrated luminosity of 0.24 fb^{-1}. The e^+e^- --> e^+e^-η cross section is measured without detecting the outgoing electron and positron, selecting the decays η-->π^+π^-π^0 and η-->π^0π^0π^0. The most relevant background is due to e^+e^- --> ηγ when the monochromatic photon escapes detection. The cross section for this process is measured as σ(e^+e^- -->ηγ) = (856 \pm 8_{stat} \pm 16_{syst}) pb. The combined result for the e^+e^- -->e^+e^-η cross section is σ(e^+e^- -->e^+e^-η) = (32.72 \pm 1.27_{stat} \pm 0.70_{syst}) pb. From this we derive the partial width Γ(η-->γγ) = (520 \pm 20_{stat} \pm 13_{syst}) eV. This is in agreement with the world average and is the most precise measurement to date.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Measurement of Γ(η-> π^+π^-γ)/Γ(η-> π^+π^-π^0) with the KLOE Detector

The ratio R_η=Γ(η-> π^+π^-γ)/Γ(η-> π^+π^-π^0) has been measured by analyzing 22 million ϕ\to ηγdecays collected by the KLOE experiment at DA\PhiNE, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 558 pb^{-1}. The η\to π^+π^-γproceeds both via the ρresonant contribution, and possibly a non-resonant direct term, connected to the box anomaly. Our result, R_η= 0.1856\pm 0.0005_{stat} \pm 0.0028_{syst}, points out a sizable contribution of the direct term to the total width. The di-pion invariant mass for the η-> π^+π^-γdecay could be described in a model-independent approach in terms of a single free parameter, α. The determined value of the parameter αis α= (1.32 \pm 0.08_{stat} +0.10/-0.09_{syst}\pm 0.02_{theo}) GeV^{-2}

hep-ex↗

arXiv2012

Proceedings of the second International PrimeNet Workshop

These are the proceedings of the second PrimeNet Workshop, held in September 26-28, 2011, at the campus of Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany. This workshop is part of the activities in the project "Study of Strongly Interacting Matter" (acronym HadronPhysics2), which is an integrating activity of the Seventh Framework Program of EU. This HP2 project contains several activities, one of them being the network PrimeNet having the focus on Meson Physics in Low-Energy QCD. This network is created to exchange information on experimental and theoretical ongoing activities on mainly eta and eta-prime physics at different European accelerator facilities and institutes.

nucl-ex↗