arXiv subjects

Michela Lai

Publications and source records attributed to Michela Lai.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

G4CASCADE: A data-driven implementation of (n, $γ$) cascades in Geant4

De-excitation $γ$ cascades from neutron captures form a dominant background to MeV-scale signals. The Geant4 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit is widely used to model backgrounds in nuclear and particle physics experiments. While its current modules for simulating (n, $γ$) signals, G4NDL and G4PhotoEvaporation, are excellent for many applications, they do not reproduce known gamma-ray lines and correlations relevant at 2-15 MeV. G4CASCADE is a new data-driven Geant4 module that simulates (n, $γ$) de-excitation pathways, with options for how to handle shortcomings in nuclear data. Benchmark comparisons to measured gamma-ray lines and level structures in the ENSDF database show significant improvements, with decreased residuals and full energy conservation. This manuscript describes the underlying calculations performed by G4CASCADE, its various usage options, and benchmark comparisons. G4CASCADE for Geant4-10 is available on GitHub at https://github.com/UCRDarkMatter/CASCADE

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2024

New semicoherent targeted search for continuous gravitational waves from pulsars in binary systems

We present a novel semicoherent targeted search method for continuous gravitational waves (CWs) emitted by pulsars in binary systems. The method is based on a custom optimization of the coherence time, which is tailored according to the orbital parameters and their uncertainties, as provided by electromagnetic observations. While rotating pulsars are expected to produce quasimonochromatic CWs in their reference frame, their orbital motion introduces additional modulation in the observer's frame, alongside the modulation caused by the Earth's motion. As a result, the received signal is spread across a frequency range, and demodulation techniques must be used to improve sensitivity. However, Doppler corrections can, in some cases, vary significantly within the uncertainties of the orbital parameters, potentially lowering the detection chances of single-template, fully coherent searches. To exploit the constraints derived from electromagnetic observations, we implement a semicoherent search that is more robust than other methods. In this approach, the coherence time is evaluated for each source, taking into account the uncertainties in its orbital parameters. This method was tested and applied to a set of thirteen targets from the ATNF catalog. The search identified one outlier, whose astrophysical origin has been confidently excluded. For the first time to our knowledge, we then set upper limits on the signal strain from these 12 pulsars, with the lowest limit being $h_{UL}\sim9.01\times 10^{-26}$ for PSR~J1326-4728B.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

3Dπ: Three-Dimensional Positron Imaging, A Novel Total-Body PET Scanner Using Xenon-Doped Liquid Argon Scintillator

Objective: This paper introduces a novel PET imaging methodology called 3-dimensional positron imaging (3Dπ), which integrates total-body (TB) coverage, time-of-flight (TOF) technology, ultra-low dose imaging capabilities, and ultra-fast readout electronics inspired by emerging technology from the DarkSide collaboration. Approach: The study evaluates the performance of 3Dπ using Monte Carlo simulations based on NEMA NU 2-2018 protocols. The methodology employs a homogenous, monolithic scintillator composed of liquid argon (LAr) doped with xenon (Xe) with silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) operating at cryogenic temperatures. Main results: Significant enhancements in system performance are observed, with the 3Dπ system achieving a noise equivalent count rate (NECR) of 3.2 Mcps which is approximately two times higher than uEXPLORER's peak NECR (1.5 Mcps) at 17.3 (kBq/mL). Spatial resolution measurements show an average FWHM of 2.7 mm across both axial positions. The system exhibits superior sensitivity, with values reaching 373 kcps/MBq with a line source at the center of the field of view. Additionally, 3Dπ achieves a TOF resolution of 151 ps at 5.3 kBq/mL, highlighting its potential to produce high-quality images with reduced noise levels. Significance: The study underscores the potential of 3Dπ in improving PET imaging performance, offering the potential for shorter scan times and reduced radiation exposure for patients. The Xe-doped LAr offers advantages such as fast scintillation, enhanced light yield, and cost-effectiveness. Future research will focus on optimizing system geometry and further refining reconstruction algorithms to exploit the strengths of 3Dπ for clinical applications.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2023

Recent results from DEAP-3600

DEAP-3600 is the largest running dark matter detector filled with liquid argon, set at SNOLAB, in Sudbury, Canada, 2 km underground. The experiment holds the most stringent exclusion limit in argon for WIMPs above 20 GeV/c$^2$. In the most recent published analysis, the background events due to alpha-induced scintillation in the neck of the detector limited the sensitivity. The sensitivity of the detector in the next WIMP search will be improved thanks to the decrease in backgrounds achieved by hardware upgrades and applying multivariate analyses. Moreover, the WIMP analysis has been revisited in terms of a non-relativistic effective field theory framework, and the impact of possible substructures in the galactic dark matter halo was explored. This analysis was motivated by the latest results from Gaia and the Sloan Sky Digital Survey. Here DEAP-3600 set the world's best exclusion limit for xenon-phobic dark matter scenarios. Finally, a custom-developed analysis has recently pointed out the extraordinary sensitivity to ultra-heavy, multi-scattering dark matter candidates, resulting in world-leading exclusion limits on two composite dark matter candidates up to Planck scale masses. These proceedings, after a quick overview of the dark matter detection in DEAP-3600, outline the detector upgrades and the dark matter search results from the collaboration of the last three years.

hep-ex↗