arXiv subjects

Z. Zeng

Publications and source records attributed to Z. Zeng.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2024

Experimental Limits on Solar Reflected Dark Matter with a New Approach on Accelerated-Dark-Matter-Electron Analysis in Semiconductors

Recently a dark matter-electron (DM-electron) paradigm has drawn much attention. Models beyond the standard halo model describing DM accelerated by high energy celestial bodies are under intense examination as well. In this Letter, a velocity components analysis (VCA) method dedicated to swift analysis of accelerated DM-electron interactions via semiconductor detectors is proposed and the first HPGe detector-based accelerated DM-electron analysis is realized. Utilizing the method, the first germanium based constraint on sub-GeV solar reflected DM-electron interaction is presented with the 205.4 kg$\cdot$day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. In the heavy mediator scenario, our result excels in the mass range of 5$-$15 keV/$c^2$, achieving a 3 orders of magnitude improvement comparing with previous semiconductor experiments. In the light mediator scenario, the strongest laboratory constraint for DM lighter than 0.1 MeV/$c^2$ is presented. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of the VCA technique in future accelerated DM-electron analyses with semiconductor detectors.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

Constraints on the Blazar-Boosted Dark Matter from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We report new constraints on light dark matter (DM) boosted by blazars using the 205.4 kg day data from the CDEX-10 experiment located at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Two representative blazars, TXS 0506+56 and BL Lacertae are studied. The results derived from TXS 0506+56 exclude DM-nucleon elastic scattering cross sections from $4.6\times 10^{-33}\ \rm cm^2$ to $1\times10^{-26}\ \rm cm^2$ for DM masses between 10 keV and 1 GeV, and the results derived from BL Lacertae exclude DM-nucleon elastic scattering cross sections from $2.4\times 10^{-34}\ \rm cm^2$ to $1\times10^{-26}\ \rm cm^2$ for the same range of DM masses. The constraints correspond to the best sensitivities among solid-state detector experiments in the sub-MeV mass range.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2023

Search for boosted keV-MeV light dark matter particles from evaporating primordial black holes at the CDEX-10 experiment

We present novel constraints on boosted light dark matter particles (denoted as ``$χ$'') from evaporating primordial black holes (PBHs) using 205.4 kg$\cdot$day data from the China Jinping Underground Laboratory's CDEX-10 p-type point contact germanium detector with a 160 eVee analysis threshold. $χ$ from PBHs with masses ranging from 1$\times$10$^{15}$ g to 7$\times$10$^{16}$ g are searched in this work. In the presence of PBH abundance compatible with present bounds, our result excludes the $χ$-nucleon elastic-scattering cross section region from 3.4$\times$10$^{-32}$ cm$^{2}$ to 2.3$\times$10$^{-29}$ cm$^{2}$ for $χ$ of 1 keV to 24 MeV from PBHs with masses of 5$\times$10$^{15}$ g, as well as from 1.1$\times$10$^{-28}$ cm$^{2}$ to 7.6$\times$10$^{-28}$ cm$^{2}$ for $χ$ of 1 keV to 0.6 MeV from PBHs with masses of 7$\times$10$^{16}$ g. If the $χ$-nucleon elastic-scattering cross section can be determined in the future, the abundance of PBHs may be severely constrained by $χ$ evaporation. With the lower threshold (160 eVee) of the CDEX-10 experiment compared to the previously used experiments, this work allows for a better reach at soft spectra produced by heavier PBHs, which demonstrates the vast potential of such a technical route to pursue $χ$ from larger PBHs with a low threshold.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2023

Virtual segmentation of a small contact HPGe detector: inference of hit positions of single-site events via pulse shape analysis

Exploring hit positions of recorded events can help to understand and suppress backgrounds in rare event searching experiments. In this study, we virtually segment a small contact P-type high purity germanium detector (HPGe) into two layers. Single-site events (SSEs) in each layer are selected by an algorithm based on two pulse shape parameters: the charge pulse drift time ($T_{Q}$) and current pulse rise time ($T_{I}$). To determine the shapes and volumes of the two layers, a Th-228 source is placed at top and side positions to irradiate the detector. The double escape peak events from 2614.5 keV $γ$-ray are selected as typical SSEs, their numbers in the two layers are used to calculate the volumes and shapes of those layers. Considering the statistical and systematic uncertainties, the inner layer volume is evaluated to be 47.2\%$\pm$0.26(stat.)\%$\pm$0.22(sys.)\% of the total sensitive volume. We extend our analysis for SSEs in 1400-2100 keV, the spectra of inner layer events acquired from experimental data using the selection algorithm are in good agreement with those from the simulation. For sources outside the HPGe detector, the outer layer can act as a shielding for the inner layer. Selecting the inner layer as the analysis volume can reduce the externalbackground in the signal region of Ge-76 neutrinoless double beta (0$νββ$) decay. We use the Th-228 source to evaluate the background suppression power of the virtual segmentation. After performing the single and multi-site event discrimination, the event rate in the 0$νββ$ signal region can be further suppressed by 12\% by selecting the inner layer as the analysis volume. The virtual segmentation could be used to efficiently suppress surface background like electrons from Ar-42/K-42 decay in 0$νββ$ experiments using germanium detector immersed in liquid argon.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Search for exotic interactions of solar neutrinos in the CDEX-10 experiment

We investigate exotic neutrino interactions using the 205.4 kg$\cdot$day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. New constraints on the mass and couplings of new gauge bosons are presented. Two nonstandard neutrino interactions are considered: a $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge-boson-induced interaction between an active neutrino and electron/nucleus, and a dark-photon-induced interaction between a sterile neutrino and electron/nucleus via kinetic mixing with a photon. This work probes an unexplored parameter space involving sterile neutrino coupling with a dark photon. New laboratory limits are derived on dark photon masses below $1~{\rm eV}/c^{2}$ at some benchmark values of $Δm_{41}^{2}$ and $g^{\prime2}{\rm{sin}}^{2}2θ_{14}$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Modeling the Charge Collection Efficiency in the Li-diffused Inactive Layer of a P-type Point-Contact Germanium Detector

A model of the Li-diffused inactive layer in P-type high purity germanium detectors is built to describe the transportation of charge carriers and calculate the charge collection efficiency therein. The model is applied to calculate charge collection efficiency of a P-type point-contact germanium detector used in rare event physics experiments and validated in another P-type semi-planar germanium detector. The calculated charge collection efficiency curves are well consistent with measurements for both detectors. Effects of the Li doping processes on the charge collection efficiency are discussed based on the model. This model can be easily extended to other P-type germanium detectors, for instance, the P-type broad-energy Ge detector, and the P-type inverted-coaxial point-contact detector.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Exotic Dark Matter Search with CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg$\cdot$day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of CDEX-10 experiment at China Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption ($χ+A\rightarrow ν+A$) and DM-nucleus 3$\rightarrow$2 scattering ($χ+χ+A\rightarrow ϕ+A$), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found. Thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be $\rm 2.5\times 10^{-46} cm^2$(90\% C.L.) at DM mass of 10 MeV/c$^2$. For the DM-nucleus 3$\rightarrow$2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 MeV/c$^2$ and 14 MeV/c$^2$ for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter--Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter--electron ($χ$-$e$) scattering using the 205.4 kg$\cdot$day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted $χ$-$e$ scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for $m_χ$ larger than 80 MeV/c$^2$ compared to previous germanium-based $χ$-$e$ results. We also present the most stringent $χ$-$e$ cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for $m_χ$ larger than 90 MeV/c$^2$ with heavy mediators and $m_χ$ larger than 100 MeV/c$^2$ with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new $χ$-$e$ detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Constraints on sub-GeV dark matter boosted by cosmic rays from the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present new constraints on light dark matter boosted by cosmic rays (CRDM) using the 205.4 kg day data of the CDEX-10 experiment conducted at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The Monte Carlo simulation package CJPL\_ESS was employed to evaluate the Earth shielding effect. Several key factors have been introduced and discussed in our CRDM analysis, including the contributions from heavier CR nuclei than proton and helium, the inhomogeneity of CR distribution, and the impact of the form factor in the Earth attenuation calculation. Our result excludes the dark matter--nucleon elastic scattering cross-section region from $1.7\times 10^{-30}$ to $10^{-26}~\rm cm^2$ for dark matter of 10 keV$/c^2$ to 1 GeV$/c^2$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2022

Search for Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay of $^{76}$Ge with a Natural Broad Energy Germanium Detector

A natural broad energy germanium (BEGe) detector is operated in the China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL) for a feasibility study of building the next generation experiment of the neutrinoless double-beta (0{$νββ$}) decay of $^{76}$Ge. The setup of the prototype facility, characteristics of the BEGe detector, background reduction methods, and data analysis are described in this paper. A background index of 6.4$\times$10$^{-3}$ counts/(keV$\cdot$kg$\cdot$day) is achieved and 1.86 times lower than our previous result of the CDEX-1 detector. No signal is observed with an exposure of 186.4 kg$\cdot$day, thus a limit on the half life of $^{76}$Ge 0$νββ$ decay is set at T$_{1/2}^{0ν}$ $>$ 5.62$\times$10$^{22}$ yr at 90% C.L.. The limit corresponds to an effective Majorana neutrino mass in the range of 4.6 $\sim$ 10.3 eV, dependent on the nuclear matrix elements.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2022

Studies of the Earth shielding effect to direct dark matter searches at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

Dark matter direct detection experiments mostly operate at deep underground laboratories. It is necessary to consider shielding effect of the Earth, especially for dark matter particles interacting with a large cross section. We analyzed and simulated the Earth shielding effect for dark matter at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL) with a simulation package, CJPL Earth Shielding Simulation code (CJPL\_ESS), which is applicable to other underground locations. The further constraints on the $χ$-N cross section exclusion regions are derived based on the studies with CDEX experiment data.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2021

First experimental constraints on WIMP couplings in the effective field theory framework from CDEX

We present weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search results performed using two approaches of effective field theory from the China Dark Matter Experiment (CDEX), based on the data from both CDEX-1B and CDEX-10 stages. In the nonrelativistic effective field theory approach, both time-integrated and annual modulation analyses were used to set new limits for the coupling of WIMP-nucleon effective operators at 90% confidence level (C.L.) and improve over the current bounds in the low $m_χ$ region. In the chiral effective field theory approach, data from CDEX-10 were used to set an upper limit on WIMP-pion coupling at 90% C.L. We for the first time extended the limit to the $m_χ<$ 6 GeV/$c^2$ region.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2021

Improved limits on solar axions and bosonic dark matter from the CDEX-1B experiment using the profile likelihood ratio method

We present the improved constraints on couplings of solar axions and more generic bosonic dark matter particles using 737.1 kg-days of data from the CDEX-1B experiment. The CDEX-1B experiment, located at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory, primarily aims at the direct detection of weakly interacting massive particles using a p-type point-contact germanium detector. We adopt the profile likelihood ratio method for analysis of data in the presence of backgrounds. An energy threshold of 160 eV was achieved, much better than the 475 eV of CDEX-1A with an exposure of 335.6 kg-days. This significantly improves the sensitivity for the bosonic dark matter below 0.8 keV among germanium detectors. Limits are also placed on the coupling $g_{Ae} < 2.48 \times 10^{-11}$ from Compton, bremsstrahlung, atomic-recombination and de-excitation channels and $g^{eff}_{AN} \times g_{Ae} < 4.14 \times 10^{-17}$ from a $^{57}$Fe M1 transition at 90\% confidence level.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2021

In-situ gamma-ray background measurements for next generation CDEX experiment in the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

In-situ $γ$-ray measurements were performed using a portable high purity germanium spectrometer in Hall-C at the second phase of the China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL-II) to characterise the environmental radioactivity background below 3 MeV and provide ambient $γ$-ray background parameters for next generation of China Dark Matter Experiment (CDEX). The integral count rate of the spectrum was 46.8 cps in the energy range of 60 to 2700 keV. Detection efficiencies of the spectrometer corresponding to concrete walls and surrounding air were obtained from numerical calculation and Monte Carlo simulation, respectively. The radioactivity concentrations of the walls in the Hall-C were calculated to be ${6.8\pm1.5}$ Bq/kg for ${^{238}}$U, ${5.4\pm0.6}$ Bq/kg for ${^{232}}$Th, ${81.9\pm14.4}$ Bq/kg for ${^{40}}$K. Based on the measurement results, the expected background rates from these primordial radionuclides of future CDEX experiment were simulated in unit of counts per keV per ton per year (cpkty) for the energy ranges of 2 to 4 keV and around 2 MeV. The total background level from primordial radionuclides with decay products in secular equilibrium are ${7.0 \times 10^{-2}}$ and ${3.1 \times 10^{-3}}$ cpkty for energy ranges of 2 keV to 4 keV and around 2 MeV, respectively.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2020

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter ($κ$) with data taken from two ${p}$-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90\% confidence level upper limits on $κ$ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (${m_V}$) from 10 to 300 eV/${c^2}$ in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90\% confidence level with ${m_V}$ from 0.1 to 4.0 keV/${c^2}$ are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of ${\rm{κ=1.3 \times 10^{-15}}}$ at ${\rm{m_V=200\ eV/c^2}}$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2019

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass $p$-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2 yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus ($χ$-$N$) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass ($m_χ$) at 90\% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90\% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at $>$99.99\% and 98\% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at $m_χ$$<$6$~{\rm GeV}/c^2$ among WIMP AM measurements to date.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2019

Spin-orbit torque based physical unclonable function

This paper introduces the concept of spin-orbit-torque-MRAM (SOT-MRAM) based physical unclonable function (PUF). The secret of the PUF is stored into a random state of a matrix of perpendicular SOT-MRAMs. Here, we show experimentally and with micromagnetic simulations that this random state is driven by the intrinsic nonlinear dynamics of the free layer of the memory excited by the SOT. In detail, a large enough current drives the magnetization along an in-plane direction. Once the current is removed, the in-plane magnetic state becomes unstable evolving towards one of the two perpendicular stable configurations randomly. In addition, an hybrid CMOS/spintronics model is used to evaluate the electrical characteristics of a PUF realized with an array of 16x16 SOT-MRAM cells. Beyond robustness against voltage and temperature variations, hardware authentication based on this PUF scheme has additional advantages over other PUF technologies such as non-volatility (no power consumption in standby mode), reconfigurability (the secret can be rewritten), and scalability. We believe that this work is a step forward the design of spintronic devices for application in security.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jin-Ping Laboratory

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses ($m_χ$) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg$\cdot$day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg$\cdot$day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in $m_χ$ are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on $σ_{χN}^{\rm SI}$ at 90\% confidence level are derived as $2\times$10$^{-32}\sim7\times$10$^{-35}$ $\rm cm^2$ for TI analysis at $m_χ\sim$ 50$-$180 MeV/$c^2$, and $3\times$10$^{-32}\sim9\times$10$^{-38}$ $\rm cm^2$ for AM analysis at $m_χ\sim$75 MeV/$c^2-$3.0 GeV/$c^2$.

hep-ex↗