arXiv subjects

J. B. Benziger

Publications and source records attributed to J. B. Benziger.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Performance of the SABRE detector module in a purely passive shielding

We present here a characterization of the low background NaI(Tl) crystal NaI-33 based on a period of almost one year of data taking (891 kgxdays exposure) in a detector configuration with no use of organic scintillator veto. This remarkably radio-pure crystal already showed a low background in the SABRE Proof-of-Principle (PoP) detector, in the low energy region of interest (1-6 keV) for the search of dark matter interaction via the annual modulation signature. As the vetoable background components, such as $^{40}$K, are here sub-dominant, we reassembled the PoP setup with a fully passive shielding. We upgraded the selection of events based on a Boosted Decision Tree algorithm that rejects most of the PMT-induced noise while retaining scintillation signals with > 90% efficiency in 1-6 keV. We find an average background of 1.39 $\pm$ 0.02 counts/day/kg/keV in the region of interest and a spectrum consistent with data previously acquired in the PoP setup, where the external veto background suppression was in place. Our background model indicates that the dominant background component is due to decays of $^{210}$Pb, only partly residing in the crystal itself. The other location of $^{210}$Pb is the reflector foil that wraps the crystal. We now proceed to design the experimental setup for the physics phase of the SABRE North detector, based on an array of similar crystals, using a low radioactivity PTFE reflector and further improving the passive shielding strategy, in compliance with the new safety and environmental requirements of Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Status and prospects of SABRE North

We present the characterization of a low background NaI(Tl) crystal for the SABRE North experiment. The crystal NaI-33, was studied in two different setups at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy. The Proof-of-Principle (PoP) detector was equipped with a liquid scintillator veto and collected data for about one month (90 kg$\times$days). The PoP-dry setup consisted of NaI-33 in a purely passive shielding and collected data for almost one year (891 kg$\times$days). The average background in the energy region of interest (1-6 keV) for dark matter search was 1.20 $\pm$ 0.05 and 1.39 $\pm$ 0.02 counts/day/kg/keV within the PoP and the PoP-dry setup, respectively. This result opens to a new shielding design for the physics phase of the SABRE North detector, that does not foresee the use of an organic liquid scintillator external veto.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Ignition and Front Propagation in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

Water produced in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell enhances membrane proton conductivity; this positive feedback loop can lead to current ignition. Using a segmented anode fuel cell we study the effect of gas phase convection and membrane diffusion of water on the spatiotemporal nonlinear dynamics - localized ignition and front propagation - in the cell. Co-current gas flow causes ignition at the cell outlet, and membrane diffusion causes the front to slowly propagate to the inlet; counter-current flow causes ignition in the interior of the cell, with the fronts subsequently spreading towards both inlets. These instabilities critically affect fuel cell performance.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2003

A Comparison of Physical Properties and Fuel Cell Performance of Nafion and Zirconium Phosphate/Nafion Composite Membranes

The physio-chemical properties of Nafion 115 and a composite Nafion 115/Zirconium Phosphate (25wt%) membranes are compared. The composite membrane takes up more water than Nafion at the same water activity. However, the proton conductivity of the composite membrane is slightly less than that for Nafion 115. Small angle X-ray scattering shows the hydrophilic phase domains in the composite membrane are spaced further apart than in Nafion 115, and the composite membrane shows less restructuring with water uptake. Despite the lower proton conductivity of the composite membranes they display better fuel cell performance than Nafion 115 when the fuel cell is operated under-humidified. It is suggested that the composite membrane has a greater rigidity that accounts for its improved fuel cell performance.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2003

The Autohumidification Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

A PEM fuel cell was specially constructed to determine kinetics under conditions of well-defined gas phase composition and cell temperature. Steady state multiplicity was discovered in the autohumidification PEM fuel cell, resulting from a balance between water production and water removal. Ignition was observed in the PEM fuel cell for a critical water activity of about 0.1. Ignition is a consequence of the exponential increase of proton conductivity with water activity, which creates an autocatalytic feedback between the water production and the proton conduction. The steady state current in the ignited state decreases with increasing temperature between 50 to 105 deg C. At temperatures greater than 70 deg C five steady states were observed in the PEM fuel cell. The steady state performance has been followed with variable load resistance and hysteresis loops have been mapped. The dynamics of transitions between steady states are slow about 10^3 to 10^4 s. These slow dynamics are suggested to result from a coupling of mechanical and chemical properties of the membrane electrode assembly due to swelling of the membrane with water absorption.

physics.chem-ph↗