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TEXONO Collaboration

Publications and source records attributed to TEXONO Collaboration.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Constraining Axion-Like-Particles with germanium detector at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory

We present results of a search for Axion-Like Particles (ALPs) produced $via$ Primakoff and Compton-like scattering channels, using data acquired with TEXONO experiment at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Station. The analysis is based on 278.91 days of reactor-ON and 43.60 days of reactor-OFF data. These datasets were collected using a 1.06 kg high-purity germanium detector located 28 m from a 2.9 GW reactor core. No significant excess is observed in the residual spectrum from the reactor-ON and reactor-OFF data subtraction. Using data acquired with low-background germanium detectors, upper limits on both the ALP-photon ($g_{a\gamma\gamma}$) and ALP-electron ($g_{aee}$) couplings are derived for ALP masses ranging from 1 eV to 3 MeV at 90\% confidence level. Since both $g_{a\gamma\gamma}$ and $g_{aee}$ couplings contribute to ALP production and detection, a combined analysis is performed by treating both channels as active parameters.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2026

Studies of Neutrino-Nucleus Elastic Scattering with Point-Contact Germanium Detectors at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory

The low energy and intense flux of electron anti-neutrinos from nuclear reactors provide the perfect stage to study elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering ($\nu A_{el}$) in the fully coherent regime. We report results from the TEXONO experiment using electro-cooled $p$-type point-contact Germanium detectors with masses of 523~g and 1434~g at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory. We report improved constraints on the $\nu A_{el}$ cross section with a combined exposure of 404(813.7)~kg-days of Reactor ON(OFF) data at an electron-equivalent threshold of 200~eV$_{ee}$. The Lindhard model, in which the quenching factor is parameterized by a single parameter k, is adopted to describe the suppression of ionization yield. At the benchmark value of k=0.162, a limit of $\rho<$2.0 at 90\% confidence level (CL) is derived, where $\rho$ represents the ratio of the observed to the predicted Standard Model cross section. Moreover the region k$>$0.205 is excluded at 90\% CL using the SM-predicted $\nu A_{el}$ rate. A bound on the neutrino magnetic moment from $\nu A_{el}$ at $\mu_{\nu} {<} 5.9 \times 10^{-10}~\mu_B$ at 90\% CL is also derived.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2024

Dark Matter Annual Modulation Analysis with Combined Nuclear and Electron Recoil Channels

After decades of experimental efforts, the DAMA/LIBRA(DL) annual modulation (AM) analysis on the $\chi N$ (WIMP Dark Matter interactions on nucleus) channel remains the only one which can be interpreted as positive signatures. This has been refuted by numerous time-integrated (TI) and AM analysis. It has been shown that $\chi e$ (WIMP interactions with electrons) alone is not compatible with the DL AM data. We expand the investigations by performing an AM analysis with the addition of $\chi e$ long-range and short-range interactions to $\chi N$, derived using the Frozen Core Approximation method. Two scenarios are considered, where the $\chi N$ and $\chi e$ processes are due to a single $\chi$ ($\Gamma^{1 \chi}_{tot}$) or two different $\chi$'s ($\Gamma^{2 \chi}_{tot}$). The combined fits with $\chi N$ and $\chi e$ provide stronger significance to the DL AM data which are compatible with the presence of additional physical effects beyond $\chi N$ alone. This is the first analysis which explores how $\chi e$ AM can play a role in DL AM. The revised allowed regions as well as the exclusion contours from the other null AM experiments are presented. All DL AM allowed parameter spaces in $\chi N$ and $\chi e$ channels under both $\Gamma^{1 \chi}_{tot}$ and $\Gamma^{2 \chi}_{tot}$ are excluded at the 90\% confidence level by the combined null AM results. It can be projected that DL-allowed parameter spaces from generic models with interactions induced by two-WIMPs are ruled out.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2024

New Limits on Coherent Neutrino Nucleus Elastic Scattering Cross Section at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory

Neutrino nucleus elastic scattering ({\nu}Ael) with reactor neutrinos is an interaction under full quantum-mechanical coherence. It has not yet been experimentally observed. We present new results on the studies of {\nu}Ael cross section with an electro-cooled p-type point-contact germanium detector at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino laboratory. A total of (242)357 kg-days of Reactor ON(OFF) data at a detector threshold of 200 eVee in electron equivalent unit are analyzed. The Lindhard model parametrized by a single variable k which characterizes the quenching function was used. Limits at 90% confidence level are derived on the ratio {\rho} relative to standard model (SM) cross section of {\rho}<4.7 at the predicted value of k=0.162, while k<0.285 at the SM-value of {\rho}=1. Prospects on future positive measurements are discussed.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2019

Constraints on millicharged particles with low threshold germanium detectors at Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory

Relativistic millicharged particles ($χ_q$) have been proposed in various extensions to the Standard Model of particle physics. We consider the scenarios where they are produced at nuclear reactor core and via interactions of cosmic-rays with the earth's atmosphere. Millicharged particles could also be candidates for dark matter, and become relativistic through acceleration by supernova explosion shock waves. The atomic ionization cross section of $χ_q$ with matter are derived with the equivalent photon approximation. Smoking-gun signatures with significant enhancement in the differential cross section are identified. New limits on the mass and charge of $χ_q$ are derived, using data taken with a point-contact germanium detector with 500g mass functioning at an energy threshold of 300~eV at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2013

Limits on spin-independent couplings of WIMP dark matter with a p-type point-contact germanium detector

We report new limits on spin-independent WIMP-nucleon interaction cross-section using 39.5 kg-days of data taken with a p-type point-contact germanium detector of 840 g fiducial mass at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory. Crucial to this study is the understanding of the selection procedures and, in particular, the bulk-surface events differentiation at the sub-keV range. The signal-retaining and background-rejecting efficiencies were measured with calibration gamma sources and a novel n-type point-contact germanium detector. Part of the parameter space in cross-section versus WIMP-mass implied by various experiments is probed and excluded.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2010

Constraints on Non-Standard Neutrino Interactions and Unparticle Physics with Neutrino-Electron Scattering at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Reactor

Neutrino-electron scatterings are purely leptonic processes with robust Standard Model (SM) predictions. Their measurements can therefore provide constraints to physics beyond SM. The $\nuebar$-e data taken at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory were used to probe two scenarios: Non-Standard Neutrino Interactions (NSI) and Unparticle Physics. New constraints were placed to the NSI parameters ($\el$,$\er$) and ($\etl$,$\etr$) for the Non-Universal and Flavor-Changing channels, respectively, as well as to the coupling constants for scalar ($λ_0$) and vector ($λ_1$) unparticles to the neutrinos and electrons.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2010

Measurement of Neutrino-Electron Scattering Cross-Section with a CsI(Tl) Scintillating Crystal Array at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Reactor

The $\barν_{e}-e^{-}$ elastic scattering cross-section was measured with a CsI(Tl) scintillating crystal array having a total mass of 187kg. The detector was exposed to an average reactor $\barν_{e}$ flux of $\rm{6.4\times 10^{12} ~ cm^{-2}s^{-1}}$ at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Station. The experimental design, conceptual merits, detector hardware, data analysis and background understanding of the experiment are presented. Using 29882/7369 kg-days of Reactor ON/OFF data, the Standard Model(SM) electroweak interaction was probed at the squared 4-momentum transfer range of $\rm{Q^2 \sim 3 \times 10^{-6} ~ GeV^2}$. The ratio of experimental to SM cross-sections of $ ξ=[ 1.08 \pm 0.21(stat)\pm 0.16(sys)] $ was measured. Constraints on the electroweak parameters $(g_V , g_A)$ were placed, corresponding to a weak mixing angle measurement of $ \s2tw = 0.251 \pm 0.031({\it stat}) \pm 0.024({\it sys}) $. Destructive interference in the SM $\nuebar -$e process was verified. Bounds on anomalous neutrino electromagnetic properties were placed: neutrino magnetic moment at $μ_{\nuebar}< 2.2 \times 10^{-10} μ_{\rm B}$ and the neutrino charge radius at $-2.1 \times 10^{-32} ~{\rm cm^{2}} < \nuchrad < 3.3 \times 10^{-32} ~{\rm cm^{2}}$, both at 90% confidence level.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2008

New limits on spin-independent and spin-dependent couplings of low-mass WIMP dark matter with a germanium detector at a threshold of 220 eV

An energy threshold of (220+-10) eV was achieved at an efficiency of 50% with a four-channel ultra-low-energy germanium detector each with an active mass of 5 g. This provides a unique probe to WIMP dark matter with mass below 10 GeV. With a data acquisition live time of 0.338 kg-day at the Kuo-Sheng Laboratory, constraints on WIMPs in the galactic halo were derived. The limits improve over previous results on both the spin-independent WIMP-nucleon and the spin-dependent WIMP-neutron cross-sections for WIMP mass between 3-6 GeV. Sensitivities for full-scale experiments are projected. This detector technique makes the unexplored sub-keV energy window accessible for new neutrino and dark matter experiments. Two appendices are included after Version-3 to address questions raised on trigger and selection efficiencies as well as other issues.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2008

Production and Decay of the Ge73-m Metastable State in a Low-Background Germanium Detector

The $\ge73m$ metastable states decay with a very characteristic signature which allow them to be tagged event-by-event. Studies were performed using data taken with a high-purity germanium detector in a low-background laboratory near a nuclear power reactor core where $\nuebar$-flux was $\rm{6.4 \times 10^{12} ~ cm^{-2} s^{-1}}$. The measured average and equilibrium production rates of $\ge73m$ were $\rm{(8.7 \pm 0.4)}$ and $\rm{(6.7 \pm 0.3) ~ kg^{-1} day^{-1}}$, respectively. The production channels were studied and identified. By studying the difference in the production of $\ge73m$ between the reactor ON and OFF spectra, the limiting sensitivities at the range of $\rm{\sim 10^{-42} - 10^{-43} ~ cm^2}$ for the cross-sections of neutrino-induced nuclear transitions were derived. The dominant background are due to $β$-decays of cosmic-ray induced $^{73}$Ga. The prospects of enhancing the sensitivities at underground locations are discussed.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2007

Search of Axions from a Nuclear Power Reactor with a High-Purity Germanium Detector

A search of axions produced in nuclear transitions was performed at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Station with a high-purity germanium detector of mass 1.06 kg at a distance of 28 m from the 2.9 GW reactor core. The expected experimental signatures were mono-energetic lines produced by their Primakoff or Compton conversions at the detector. Based on 459.0/96.3 days of Reactor ON/OFF data, no evidence of axion emissions were observed and constraints on the couplings $\gagg$ and $\gaee$ versus axion mass $m_a$ within the framework of invisible axion models were placed. The KSVZ and DFSZ models can be excluded for 10^4 eV < m_a < 10^6 ~eV. Model-independent constraints on \gagg \gv1 < 7.7 X 10^{-9} GeV^{-2} for m_{a} < 10^5 eV and \gaee \gv1 < 1.3 X 10^{-10} for m_{a} < 10^6 eV at 90% confidence level were derived. This experimental approach provides a unique probe for axion mass at the keV--MeV range not accessible to the other techniques.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2006

Search of Neutrino Magnetic Moments with a High-Purity Germanium Detector at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Station

A search of neutrino magnetic moments was carried out at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Station at a distance of 28 m from the 2.9 GW reactor core. With a high purity germanium detector of mass 1.06 kg surrounded by scintillating NaI(Tl) and CsI(Tl) crystals as anti-Compton detectors, a detection threshold of 5 keV and a background level of 1 $\cpd$ near threshold were achieved. Details of the reactor neutrino source, experimental hardware, background understanding and analysis methods are presented. Based on 570.7 and 127.8 days of Reactor ON and OFF data, respectively, at an average Reactor ON electron anti-neutrino flux of $\rm{6.4 \times 10^{12} cm^{-2} s^{-1}}$, the limit on the neutrino magnetic moments of $\rm{\munuebar < 7.4 \times 10^{-11} \mub}$ at 90% confidence level was derived. Indirect bounds on the $\nuebar$ radiative decay lifetimes were inferred.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2005

Measurement of the Intrinsic Radiopurity of Cs-137/U-235/U-238/Th-232 in CsI(Tl) Crystal Scintillators

The inorganic crystal scintillator CsI(Tl) has been used for low energy neutrino and Dark Matter experiments, where the intrinsic radiopurity is an issue of major importance. Low-background data were taken with a CsI(Tl) crystal array at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory. The pulse shape discrimination capabilities of the crystal, as well as the temporal and spatial correlations of the events, provide powerful means of measuring the intrinsic radiopurity of Cs-137 as well as the U-235, U-238 and Th-232 series. The event selection algorithms are described, with which the decay half-lives of Po-218, Po-214, Rn-220, Po-216 and Po-212 were derived. The measurements of the contamination levels, their concentration gradients with the crystal growth axis, and the uniformity among different crystal samples, are reported. The radiopurity in the U-238 and Th-232 series are comparable to those of the best reported in other crystal scintillators. Significant improvements in measurement sensitivities were achieved, similar to those from dedicated massive liquid scintillator detector. This analysis also provides in situ measurements of the detector performance parameters, such as spatial resolution, quenching factors, and data acquisition dead time.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2005

Production of Electron Neutrinos at Nuclear Power Reactors and the Prospects for Neutrino Physics

High flux of electron neutrinos($\nue$) is produced at nuclear power reactors through the decays of nuclei activated by neutron capture. Realistic simulation studies on the neutron transport and capture at the reactor core were performed. The production of $\chr51$ and $\fe55$ give rise to mono-energetic $\nue$'s at Q-values of 753 keV and 231 keV and fluxes of $8.3 \times 10^{-4}$ and $3.0 \times 10^{-4}$ $\nue$/fission, respectively. Using data from a germanium detector at the Kuo-Sheng Power Plant, we derived direct limits on the $\nue$ magnetic moment and the radiative lifetime of $μ_ν < 1.3 \times 10^{-8} ~ \mub$ and $\rm{τ_ν / m_ν > 0.11 s / eV}$ at 90% confidence level (CL), respectively. Indirect bounds on $\rm{τ_ν / m_ν^3}$ were also inferred. The $\nue$-flux can be enhanced by loading selected isotopes to the reactor core, and the potential applications and achievable statistical accuracies were examined. These include accurate cross-section measurements, studies of mixing angle $θ_{13}$ and monitoring of plutonium production.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2002

New Limits on Neutrino Magnetic Moments from the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Experiment

A laboratory has been set up at the Kuo-Sheng Nuclear Power Station at a distance of 28 m from the 2.9 GW reactor core to study low energy neutrino physics. A detector threshold of 5 keV and a background level of 1 counts/day-keV-kg at 12-60 keV was achieved with a high purity germanium detector of mass 1.06 kg surrounded by anti-Compton detectors with NaI(Tl) and CsI(Tl) crystal scintillators. Using 4712 and 1250 hours of Reactor ON and OFF data, respectively, limits of the neutrino magnetic moment of mu_nu < 1.3(1.0) X 10^{-10} mu_B at 90(68)% confidence level were derived. Indirect bounds of the nu_e_bar radiative lifetime of m_nu^3 * tau_nu > 2.8(4.8) X 10^{18} eV^3 s can be inferred.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2002

Studies of Prototype CsI(Tl) Crystal Scintillators for Low-Energy Neutrino Experiments

Crystal scintillators provide potential merits for the pursuit of low-energy low-background experiments. A CsI(Tl) scintillating crystal detector is being constructed to study low-energy neutrino physics at a nuclear reactor, while projects are underway to adopt this technique for dark matter searches. The choice of the geometrical parameters of the crystal modules, as well as the optimization of the read-out scheme, are the results of an R&D program. Crystals with 40 cm in length were developed. The detector requirements and the achieved performance of the prototypes are presented. Future prospects for this technique are discussed.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2000

A CsI(Tl) Scintillating Crystal Detector for the Studies of Low Energy Neutrino Interactions

Scintillating crystal detector may offer some potential advantages in the low-energy, low-background experiments. A 500 kg CsI(Tl) detector to be placed near the core of Nuclear Power Station II in Taiwan is being constructed for the studies of electron-neutrino scatterings and other keV-MeV range neutrino interactions. The motivations of this detector approach, the physics to be addressed, the basic experimental design, and the characteristic performance of prototype modules are described. The expected background channels and their experimental handles are discussed.

hep-ex↗