arXiv subjects

S. J. Meijer

Publications and source records attributed to S. J. Meijer.

58 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2015

Low Background Signal Readout Electronics for the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR

The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR is a planned 40 kg array of Germanium detectors intended to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a tonne-scale experiment that will seek neutrinoless double beta decay ($0νββ$) in $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$. Such an experiment would require backgrounds of less than 1 count/tonne-year in the 4 keV region of interest around the 2039 keV Q-value of the $ββ$ decay. Designing low-noise electronics, which must be placed in close proximity to the detectors, presents a challenge to reaching this background target. This paper will discuss the MAJORANA collaboration's solutions to some of these challenges.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

The Majorana Parts Tracking Database

The Majorana Demonstrator is an ultra-low background physics experiment searching for the neutrinoless double beta decay of $^{76}$Ge. The Majorana Parts Tracking Database is used to record the history of components used in the construction of the Demonstrator. The tracking implementation takes a novel approach based on the schema-free database technology CouchDB. Transportation, storage, and processes undergone by parts such as machining or cleaning are linked to part records. Tracking parts provides a great logistics benefit and an important quality assurance reference during construction. In addition, the location history of parts provides an estimate of their exposure to cosmic radiation. A web application for data entry and a radiation exposure calculator have been developed as tools for achieving the extreme radio-purity required for this rare decay search.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

MAJORANA Collaboration's Experience with Germanium Detectors

The goal of the \textsc{Majorana} \textsc{Demonstrator} project is to search for 0$νββ$ decay in $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$. Of all candidate isotopes for 0$νββ$, $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$ has some of the most favorable characteristics. Germanium detectors are a well established technology, and in searches for 0$νββ$, the high purity germanium crystal acts simultaneously as source and detector. Furthermore, p-type germanium detectors provide excellent energy resolution and a specially designed point contact geometry allows for sensitive pulse shape discrimination. This paper will summarize the experiences the \textsc{Majorana} collaboration made with enriched germanium detectors manufactured by ORTEC$^{\circledR}$. The process from production, to characterization and integration in \textsc{Majorana} mounting structure will be described. A summary of the performance of all enriched germanium detectors will be given.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

Status of the MAJORANA Demonstrator

The MAJORANA Collaboration is constructing the MAJORANA Demonstrator, an ultra-low background, 40-kg modular high purity Ge detector array to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in Ge. In view of the next generation of tonne-scale Ge-based neutrinoless double-beta decay searches that will probe the neutrino mass scale in the inverted-hierarchy region, a major goal of the Demonstrator is to demonstrate a path forward to achieving a background rate at or below 1 count/tonne/year in the 4 keV region of interest around the Q-value at 2039 keV. The current status of the Demonstrator is discussed, as are plans for its completion.

physics.ins-det↗