arXiv subjects

I. S. Seong

Publications and source records attributed to I. S. Seong.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2019

Search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson and low-mass dark matter at the Belle experiment

We report on the first Belle search for a light CP-odd Higgs boson, $A^{0}$, that decays into low mass dark matter, $χ$, in final states with a single photon and missing energy. We search for events produced via the dipion transition $Υ(\textrm{2S})\rightarrowΥ(\textrm{1S})π^{+}π^{-}$, followed by the on-shell process $Υ(\textrm{1S})\rightarrowγA^{0}$ with $A^{0} \rightarrowχχ$, or by the off-shell process $Υ(\textrm{1S})\rightarrowγχχ$. Utilizing a data sample of 157.3 $\times$ 10$^{6}$ $Υ(\textrm{2S})$ decays, we find no evidence for a signal. We set limits on the branching fractions of such processes in the mass ranges $M_{A^{0}} <$ 8.97 $\textrm{GeV/}\textit{c}^{2}$ and $M_χ <$ 4.44 $\textrm{GeV/}\textit{c}^{2}$. We then use the limits on the off-shell process to set competitive limits on WIMP-nucleon scattering in the WIMP mass range below 5 $\textrm{GeV/}\textit{c}^{2}$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2018

First Measurements of Beam Backgrounds at SuperKEKB

The high design luminosity of the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider is expected to result in challenging levels of beam-induced backgrounds in the interaction region. Properly simulating and mitigating these backgrounds is critical to the success of the Belle~II experiment. We report on measurements performed with a suite of dedicated beam background detectors, collectively known as BEAST II, during the so-called Phase 1 commissioning run of SuperKEKB in 2016, which involved operation of both the high energy ring (HER) of 7 GeV electrons as well as the low energy ring (LER) of 4 GeV positrons. We describe the BEAST II detector systems, the simulation of beam backgrounds, and the measurements performed. The measurements include standard ones of dose rates versus accelerator conditions, and more novel investigations, such as bunch-by-bunch measurements of injection backgrounds and measurements sensitive to the energy spectrum and angular distribution of fast neutrons. We observe beam-gas, Touschek, beam-dust, and injection backgrounds. We do not observe significant synchrotron radiation, as expected. Measured LER beam-gas backgrounds and Touschek backgrounds in both rings are slightly elevated, on average three times larger than the levels predicted by simulation. HER beam-gas backgrounds are on on average two orders of magnitude larger than predicted. Systematic uncertainties and channel-to-channel variations are large, so that these excesses constitute only 1-2 sigma level effects. Neutron background rates are higher than predicted and should be studied further. We will measure the remaining beam background processes, due to colliding beams, in the imminent commissioning Phase 2. These backgrounds are expected to be the most critical for Belle II, to the point of necessitating replacement of detector components during the Phase 3 (full-luminosity) operation of SuperKEB.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

Readout technologies for directional WIMP Dark Matter detection

The measurement of the direction of WIMP-induced nuclear recoils is a compelling but technologically challenging strategy to provide an unambiguous signature of the detection of Galactic dark matter. Most directional detectors aim to reconstruct the dark-matter-induced nuclear recoil tracks, either in gas or solid targets. The main challenge with directional detection is the need for high spatial resolution over large volumes, which puts strong requirements on the readout technologies. In this paper we review the various detector readout technologies used by directional detectors. In particular, we summarize the challenges, advantages and drawbacks of each approach, and discuss future prospects for these technologies.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

Measurement of the quenching and channeling effects in a CsI crystal used for a WIMP search

We have studied channeling effects in a Cesium Iodide (CsI) crystal that is similar in composition to the ones being used in a search for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) dark matter candidates, and measured its energy-dependent quenching factor, the relative scintillation yield for electron and nuclear recoils. The experimental results are reproduced with a GEANT4 simulation that includes a model of the scintillation efficiency as a function of electronic stopping power. We present the measured and simulated quenching factors and the estimated effects of channeling.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2014

Search for Low-Mass Dark Matter with CsI(Tl) Crystal Detectors

We present a search for low-mass ($\leq 20 GeV/c^{2}$) weakly interacting massive particles(WIMPs), strong candidates of dark matter particles,using the low-background CsI(Tl) detector array of the Korea Invisible Mass Search (KIMS) experiment. With a total data exposure of 24,324.3kg$\cdot$days,we search for WIMP interaction signals produced by nuclei recoiling from WIMP-nuclear elastic scattering with visible energies between 2 and 4keV. The observed energy distribution of candidate events is consistent with null signals, and upper limits of the WIMP-proton spin-independent interaction are set with a 90% confidence level. The observed limit rejects most of the low mass region of parameter space favored by the DAMA annual modulation signal.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2014

Absolute Position Measurement in a Gas Time Projection Chamber via Transverse Diffusion of Drift Charge

Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with charge readout via micro pattern gaseous detectors can provide detailed measurements of charge density distributions. We here report on measurements of alpha particle tracks, using a TPC where the drift charge is amplified with Gas Electron Multipliers and detected with a pixel ASIC. We find that by measuring the 3-D topology of drift charge and fitting for its transverse diffusion, we obtain the absolute position of tracks in the drift direction. For example, we obtain a precision of 1~cm for 1~cm-long alpha track segments. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of such a measurement in a gas TPC. This technique has several attractive features: it does not require knowledge of the initial specific ionization, is robust against bias from diffuse charge below detection threshold, and is also robust against high charge densities that saturate the detector response.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2014

3-D Tracking of Nuclear Recoils in a Miniature Time Projection Chamber

The three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of nuclear recoils is of interest for directional detection of fast neutrons and for direction-sensitive searches for weakly interacting massive particles(WIMPs), which may constitute the Dark Matter of the universe. We demonstrate this capability with a miniature gas target Time Projection Chamber (TPC) where the drift charge is avalanche-multiplied with Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) and detected with the ATLAS FE-I3 Pixel Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). We report on performance characterization of the detector, including measurements of gain, gain resolution, point resolution, diffusion, angular resolution, and energy resolution with low-energy x-rays, cosmic rays, and alpha particles, using the gases Ar:CO$_2$ (70:30) and He:CO$_2$ (70:30) at atmospheric pressure. We discuss the implications for future, larger directional neutron and Dark Matter detectors. With an eye to designing and selecting components for these, we generalize our results into analytical expressions for detector performance whenever possible. We conclude by demonstrating the 3-D directional detection of a fast neutron source.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2013

Charge-Focusing Readout of Time Projection Chambers

Time projection chambers (TPCs) have found a wide range of applications in particle physics, nuclear physics, and homeland security. For TPCs with high-resolution readout, the readout electronics often dominate the price of the final detector. We have developed a novel method which could be used to build large-scale detectors while limiting the necessary readout area. By focusing the drift charge with static electric fields, we would allow a small area of electronics to be sensitive to particle detection for a much larger detector volume. The resulting cost reduction could be important in areas of research which demand large-scale detectors, including dark matter searches and detection of special nuclear material. We present simulations made using the software package Garfield of a focusing structure to be used with a prototype TPC with pixel readout. This design should enable significant focusing while retaining directional sensitivity to incoming particles. We also present first experimental results and compare them with simulation.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2012

Low energy fast events from radon progenies at the surface of a CsI(Tl) scintillator

In searches for rare phenomena such as elastic scattering of dark matter particles or neutrinoless double beta decay, alpha decays of Rn222 progenies attached to the surfaces of the detection material have been identified as a serious source of background. In measurements with CsI(Tl) scintillator crystals, we demonstrate that alpha decays of surface contaminants produce fast signals with a characteristic mean-time distribution that is distinct from those of neutron- and gamma-induced events.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2012

New Limits on Interactions between Weakly Interacting Massive Particles and Nucleons Obtained with CsI(Tl) Crystal Detectors

New limits are presented on the cross section for Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) nucleon scattering in the KIMS CsI(T) detector array at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory. The exposure used for these results is 24524.3 kg\cdotdays. Nuclei recoiling from WIMP interactions are identified by a pulse shape discrimination method. A low energy background due to alpha emitters on the crystal surfaces is identified and taken into account in the analysis. The detected numbers of nuclear recoils are consistent with zero and 90% confidence level upper limits on the WIMP interaction rates are set for electron equivalent energies from 3 keV to 11 keV. The 90% upper limit of NR event rate for 3.6-5.8 keV corresponding to 2-4 keV in NaI(T) is 0.0098 counts/kg/keV/day which is below the annual modulation amplitude reported by DAMA. This is incompatible with interpretations that enhance the modulation amplitude such as inelastic dark matter models. We establish the most stringent cross section limits on spin-dependent WIMP-proton elastic scattering for the WIMP masses greater than 20 GeV/c2.

astro-ph.CO↗