Neutron-Induced Partial Cross Section Measurements on Cu, Ge and Pb at En = 8 and 12 MeV for Background Radiation in 0νββ Decay Experiments
Abstract
The search for the existence of 0νββ decay plays an important role in the uncovering of physics beyond the standard model. The detection of such decay would confirm that neutrinos are Majorana particles. The large lifetimes (i.e.,T1/2(^76Ge) > 10^25 y) and the corresponding long measuring times require extensive understanding of background radiation induced by neutron interactions with shielding and detector materials. For example, neutron induced γ-ray transitions in Pb and Cu and their escape peaks could interfere with the identification of the 2039 keV signature of 0νββ in the case of ^ 76Ge. Thus, it is necessary to determine the yields from possible background sources. The neutron-induced partial cross sections for γ-ray transitions in Cu, enriched ^76 Ge, and Pb were measured at TUNL using an array of HPGe detectors at En=8 and 12 MeV. The experimental setup and preliminary results will be presented.Supported by DOE Grants DE-FG02-97ER41033 & DE- FG02-97ER41042.
- Publication:
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APS April Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- April 2008
- Bibcode:
- 2008APS..APRD13007K