Evelina Arushanova | Searcharxiv

arXiv2016

SNO+ scintillator cocktail studies using an ${}^{90}$Y source

We present the design of an ${}^{90}$Y calibration source and its manufacturing procedure, that has been implemented in the University of Sussex radioactive laboratory. The radioactive source was first tested at the University of Sussex using a small scintillator cocktail sample. Further measurements were performed at the University of Pennsylvania using a larger volume of the scintillator cocktail. The results of both studies are presented and discussed.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

Probing neutrinoless double beta decay with SNO+

Probing neutrinoless double beta decay is one of the primary goals for SNO+, SNOLAB's multi-purpose neutrino detector. In order to achieve this goal the SNO detector has been adapted so that it can be filled with Te-loaded liquid scintillator. During the initial double beta phase the target loading is 0.3% natural Te, which equates to $\sim790$ kg of double beta isotope. Estimating the sensitivity to neutrinoless double beta decay requires a well understood background model. For SNO+ this is provided by a comprehensive study considering all possible background contributions, whether they originate from within the liquid scintillator cocktail, the surrounding parts of the detector or other irreducible backgrounds. Given these considerations, for five years running in the initial phase, the expected sensitivity is $T_{1/2}^{0νββ} = 9.4\times10^{25}$ at 90% CL. In these proceedings we introduce the Majoron-emitting neutrinoless double beta decay modes, to which SNO+ may also be sensitive.

physics.ins-det↗