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Author NEXT Collaboration (Renner, J. et al); Kekic, M.; Martinez-Lema, G.; Alvarez, V.; Benlloch-Rodriguez, J.M.; Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Herrero, P.; Lopez-March, N.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Novella, P.; Palmeiro, B.; Querol, M.; Romo-Luque, C.; Sorel, M.; Uson, A.; Yahlali, N.
Title Energy calibration of the NEXT-White detector with 1% resolution near Q(beta beta) of Xe-136 Type Journal Article
Year 2019 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 230 - 13pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments)
Abstract Excellent energy resolution is one of the primary advantages of electroluminescent high-pressure xenon TPCs. These detectors are promising tools in searching for rare physics events, such as neutrinoless double-beta decay (beta beta 0 nu), which require precise energy measurements. Using the NEXT-White detector, developed by the NEXT (Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC) collaboration, we show for the first time that an energy resolution of 1% FWHM can be achieved at 2.6 MeV, establishing the present technology as the one with the best energy resolution of all xenon detectors for beta beta 0 nu searches.
Address (up) [Hauptman, J.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, 12 Phys Hall, Ames, IA 50011 USA, Email: josren@uv.es
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springer Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1029-8479 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000492984100001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4188
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Rogers, L. et al); Alvarez, V.; Benlloch-Rodriguez, J.M.; Botas, A.; Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Ferrario, P.; Gomez-Cadenas, J.J.; Kekic, M.; Laing, A.; Lopez-March, N.; Martinez, A.; Martinez-Lema, G.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Musti, M.; Nebot-Guinot, M.; Novella, P.; Palmeiro, B.; Perez, J.; Querol, M.; Renner, J.; Rodriguez, J.; Romo-Luque, C; Simon, A.; Sorel, M.; Torrent, J.; Yahlali, N.
Title High voltage insulation and gas absorption of polymers in high pressure argon and xenon gases Type Journal Article
Year 2018 Publication Journal of Instrumentation Abbreviated Journal J. Instrum.
Volume 13 Issue Pages P10002 - 19pp
Keywords Gaseous detectors; Scintillators, scintillation and light emission processes (solid, gas and liquid scintillators)
Abstract High pressure gas time projection chambers (HPGTPCs) are made with a variety of materials, many of which still await proper characterization in high pressure noble gas environments. As HPGTPCs increase in size toward ton-scale detectors, assemblies become larger and more complex, creating a need for detailed understanding of how structural supports and high voltage insulators behave. This includes identification of materials with predictable mechanical properties and without surface charge accumulation that may lead to field deformation or sparking. This paper explores the mechanical and electrical effects of high pressure gas environments on insulating polymers PTFE, HDPE, PEEK, POM and UHMW in argon and xenon, including studying gas absorption, swelling and high voltage insulation strength.
Address (up) [Hauptman, J.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, 12 Phys Hall, Ames, IA 50011 USA, Email: leslie.rogers@mavs.uta.edu
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Iop Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1748-0221 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000445999500002 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 3744
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Author NEXT Collaboration (Ferrario, P. et al); Benlloch-Rodriguez, J.M.; Kekic, M.; Renner, J.; Uson, A.; Alvarez, V.; Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Herrero, P.; Lopez-March, N.; Martinez-Lema, G.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Novella, P.; Palmeiro, B.; Querol, M.; Romo-Luque, C.; Sorel, M.; Yahlali, N.
Title Demonstration of the event identification capabilities of the NEXT-White detector Type Journal Article
Year 2019 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 052 - 20pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments)
Abstract In experiments searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay, the possibility of identifying the two emitted electrons is a powerful tool in rejecting background events and therefore improving the overall sensitivity of the experiment. In this paper we present the first measurement of the efficiency of a cut based on the different event signatures of double and single electron tracks, using the data of the NEXT-White detector, the first detector of the NEXT experiment operating underground. Using a Th-228 calibration source to produce signal-like and background-like events with energies near 1.6 MeV, a signal efficiency of 71.6 +/- 1.5(stat) +/- 0.3(sys) % for a background acceptance of 20.6 +/- 0.4(stat) +/- 0.3(sys)% is found, in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations. An extrapolation to the energy region of the neutrinoless double beta decay by means of Monte Carlo simulations is also carried out, and the results obtained show an improvement in background rejection over those obtained at lower energies.
Address (up) [Hauptman, J.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, 12 Phys Hall, Ames, IA 50011 USA, Email: paola.ferrario@dipc.org
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springer Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1029-8479 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000509259700001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4260
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Novella, P. et al); Palmeiro, B.; Sorel, M.; Uson, A.; Alvarez, V; Benlloch-Rodriguez, J.M.; Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Herrero, P.; Kekic, M.; Lopez-March, N.; Martinez-Lema, G.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Querol, M.; Renner, J.; Romo-Luque, C.; Yahlali, N.
Title Radiogenic backgrounds in the NEXT double beta decay experiment Type Journal Article
Year 2019 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 051 - 26pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments)
Abstract Natural radioactivity represents one of the main backgrounds in the search for neutrinoless double beta decay. Within the NEXT physics program, the radioactivity- induced backgrounds are measured with the NEXT-White detector. Data from 37.9 days of low-background operations at the Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canfranc with xenon depleted in Xe-136 are analyzed to derive a total background rate of (0.84 +/- 0.02) mHz above 1000 keV. The comparison of data samples with and without the use of the radon abatement system demonstrates that the contribution of airborne-Rn is negligible. A radiogenic background model is built upon the extensive radiopurity screening campaign conducted by the NEXT collaboration. A spectral fit to this model yields the specific contributions of Co-60, K-40, Bi-214 and Tl-208 to the total background rate, as well as their location in the detector volumes. The results are used to evaluate the impact of the radiogenic backgrounds in the double beta decay analyses, after the application of topological cuts that reduce the total rate to (0.25 +/- 0.01) mHz. Based on the best-fit background model, the NEXT-White median sensitivity to the two-neutrino double beta decay is found to be 3.5 sigma after 1 year of data taking. The background measurement in a Q(beta beta)+/- 100 keV energy window validates the best-fit background model also for the neutrinoless double beta decay search with NEXT-100. Only one event is found, while the model expectation is (0.75 +/- 0.12) events.
Address (up) [Hauptman, J.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, 12 Phys Hall, Ames, IA 50011 USA, Email: pau.novella@ific.uv.es
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springer Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1029-8479 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000491469000001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4183
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Novella, P. et al); Palmeiro, B.; Simon, A.; Sorel, M.; Martinez-Lema, G.; Alvarez, V.; Benlloch-Rodriguez, J.M.; Botas, A.; Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Kekic, M.; Laing, A.; Lopez-March, N.; Martinez, A.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Musti, M.; Nebot-Guinot, M.; Perez, J.; Querol, M.; Renner, J.; Rodriguez, J.; Romo-Luque, C.; Yahlali, N.
Title Measurement of radon-induced backgrounds in the NEXT double beta decay experiment Type Journal Article
Year 2018 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 10 Issue 10 Pages 112 - 27pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments)
Abstract The measurement of the internal Rn-222 activity in the NEXT-White detector during the so-called Run-II period with Xe-136-depleted xenon is discussed in detail, together with its implications for double beta decay searches in NEXT. The activity is measured through the alpha production rate induced in the fiducial volume by Rn-222 and its alpha-emitting progeny. The specific activity is measured to be (38.1 +/- 2.2 (stat.) +/- 5.9 (syst.)) mBq/m(3). Radon-induced electrons have also been characterized from the decay of the Bi-214 daughter ions plating out on the cathode of the time projection chamber. From our studies, we conclude that radon-induced backgrounds are sufficiently low to enable a successful NEXT-100 physics program, as the projected rate contribution should not exceed 0.1 counts/yr in the neutrinoless double beta decay sample.
Address (up) [Hauptman, J.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, 12 Phys Hall, Ames, IA 50011 USA, Email: sorel@ific.uv.es
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springer Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1029-8479 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000448191500001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 3779
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Jones, B.J.P. et al); Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Martin-Albo, J.; Martinez, A.; Martinez-Vara, M.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Novella, P.; Palmeiro, B.; Querol, M.; Romo-Luque, C.; Sorel, M.; Uson, A.; Yahlali, N.
Title The dynamics of ions on phased radio-frequency carpets in high pressure gases and application for barium tagging in xenon gas time projection chambers Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research A Abbreviated Journal Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A
Volume 1039 Issue Pages 167000 - 19pp
Keywords RF carpets; Ion transport; Neutrinoless double beta decay; Barium tagging
Abstract Radio-frequency (RF) carpets with ultra-fine pitches are examined for ion transport in gases at atmospheric pressures and above. We develop new analytic and computational methods for modeling RF ion transport at densities where dynamics are strongly influenced by buffer gas collisions. An analytic description of levitating and sweeping forces from phased arrays is obtained, then thermodynamic and kinetic principles are used to calculate ion loss rates in the presence of collisions. This methodology is validated against detailed microscopic SIMION simulations. We then explore a parameter space of special interest for neutrinoless double beta decay experiments: transport of barium ions in xenon at pressures from 1 to 10 bar. Our computations account for molecular ion formation and pressure dependent mobility as well as finite temperature effects. We discuss the challenges associated with achieving suitable operating conditions, which lie beyond the capabilities of existing devices, using presently available or near-future manufacturing techniques.
Address (up) [Hauptman, J.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, Ames, IA 50011 USA, Email: ben.jones@uta.edu
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Elsevier Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0168-9002 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000861747900008 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 5372
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Adams, C. et al); Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Lopez-March, N.; Martin-Albo, J.; Martinez, A.; Martinez-Vara, M.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Novella, P.; Palmeiro, B.; Romo-Luque, C.; Sorel, M.; Uson, A.; Yahlali, N.
Title Sensitivity of a tonne-scale NEXT detector for neutrinoless double-beta decay searches Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 08 Issue 8 Pages 164 - 24pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments)
Abstract The Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC (NEXT) searches for the neutrinoless double-beta (0 nu beta beta) decay of Xe-136 using high-pressure xenon gas TPCs with electroluminescent amplification. A scaled-up version of this technology with about 1 tonne of enriched xenon could reach in less than 5 years of operation a sensitivity to the half-life of 0 nu beta beta decay better than 10(27) years, improving the current limits by at least one order of magnitude. This prediction is based on a well-understood background model dominated by radiogenic sources. The detector concept presented here represents a first step on a compelling path towards sensitivity to the parameter space defined by the inverted ordering of neutrino masses, and beyond.
Address (up) [Hauptman, J.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, Ames, IA USA
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springer Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1029-8479 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000694208600001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4967
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Simon, A. et al); Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Lopez-March, N.; Martin-Albo, J.; Martinez, A.; Martinez-Vara, M.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Novella, P.; Palmeiro, B.; Querol, M.; Renner, J.; Romo-Luque, C.; Sorel, M.; Uson, A.; Yahlali, N.
Title Boosting background suppression in the NEXT experiment through Richardson-Lucy deconvolution Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 07 Issue 7 Pages 146 - 38pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments)
Abstract Next-generation neutrinoless double beta decay experiments aim for half-life sensitivities of similar to 10(27) yr, requiring suppressing backgrounds to < 1 count/tonne/yr. For this, any extra background rejection handle, beyond excellent energy resolution and the use of extremely radiopure materials, is of utmost importance. The NEXT experiment exploits differences in the spatial ionization patterns of double beta decay and single-electron events to discriminate signal from background. While the former display two Bragg peak dense ionization regions at the opposite ends of the track, the latter typically have only one such feature. Thus, comparing the energies at the track extremes provides an additional rejection tool. The unique combination of the topology-based background discrimination and excellent energy resolution (1% FWHM at the Q-value of the decay) is the distinguishing feature of NEXT. Previous studies demonstrated a topological background rejection factor of <similar to> 5 when reconstructing electron-positron pairs in the Tl-208 1.6 MeV double escape peak (with Compton events as background), recorded in the NEXT-White demonstrator at the Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canfranc, with 72% signal efficiency. This was recently improved through the use of a deep convolutional neural network to yield a background rejection factor of similar to 10 with 65% signal efficiency. Here, we present a new reconstruction method, based on the Richardson-Lucy deconvolution algorithm, which allows reversing the blurring induced by electron diffusion and electroluminescence light production in the NEXT TPC. The new method yields highly refined 3D images of reconstructed events, and, as a result, significantly improves the topological background discrimination. When applied to real-data 1.6 MeV e(-)e(+) pairs, it leads to a background rejection factor of 27 at 57% signal efficiency.
Address (up) [Hauptman, J.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, Ames, IA USA, Email: ander@post.bgu.ac.il;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springer Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1029-8479 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000677621700001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4906
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Henriques, C.A.O. et al); Gomez-Cadenas, J.J.; Alvarez, V.; Benlloch-Rodriguez, J.; Botas, A.; Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Ferrario, P.; Laing, A.; Liubarsky, I.; Lopez-March, N.; Martin-Albo, J.; Martinez, A.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Musti, M.; Nebot-Guinot, M.; Novella, P.; Palmeiro, B.; Perez, J.; Querol, M.; Renner, J.; Rodriguez, J.; Serra, L.; Simon, A.; Sorel, M.; Torrent, J.; Yahlali, N.
Title Secondary scintillation yield of xenon with sub-percent levels of CO2 additive for rare-event detection Type Journal Article
Year 2017 Publication Physics Letters B Abbreviated Journal Phys. Lett. B
Volume 773 Issue Pages 663-671
Keywords Double beta decay; Neutrino; Rare event detection; Electroluminescence; Secondary scintillation; Xenon
Abstract Xe-CO2 mixtures are important alternatives to pure xenon in Time Projection Chambers (TPC) based on secondary scintillation (electroluminescence) signal amplification with applications in the important field of rare event detection such as directional dark matter, double electron capture and double beta decay detection. The addition of CO2 to pure xenon at the level of 0.05-0.1% can reduce significantly the scale of electron diffusion from 10 mm/root m to 2.5 mm/root m, with high impact on the discrimination of the events through pattern recognition of the topology of primary ionization trails. We have measured the electroluminescence (EL) yield of Xe-CO2 mixtures, with sub-percent CO2 concentrations. We demonstrate that the EL production is still high in these mixtures, 70% and 35% relative to that produced in pure xenon, for CO2 concentrations around 0.05% and 0.1%, respectively. The contribution of the statistical fluctuations in EL production to the energy resolution increases with increasing CO2 concentration, being smaller than the contribution of the Fano factor for concentrations below 0.1% CO2.
Address (up) [Henriques, C. A. O.; Freitas, E. D. C.; Mano, R. D. P.; Jorge, M. R.; Fernandes, L. M. P.; Monteiro, C. M. B.; dos Santos, J. M. F.] Univ Coimbra, Phys Dept, LIBPhys, Rua Larga, P-3004516 Coimbra, Portugal, Email: cristina@gian.fis.uc.pt
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Elsevier Science Bv Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0370-2693 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000413294200099 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 3342
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Henriques, C.A.O. et al); Alvarez, V.; Benlloch-Rodriguez, J.M.; Botas, A.; Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Kekic, M.; Laing, A.; Lopez-March, N.; Martinez, A.; Martinez-Lema, G.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Musti, M.; Nebot-Guinot, M.; Novella, P.; Palmeiro, B.; Perez, J.; Querol, M.; Renner, J.; Rodriguez, J.; Romo-Luque, C.; Simon, A.; Sorel, M.; Yahlali, N.
Title Electroluminescence TPCs at the thermal diffusion limit Type Journal Article
Year 2019 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 01 Issue 1 Pages 027 - 23pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments); Photon production; Particle correlations and fluctuations; Rare decay
Abstract The NEXT experiment aims at searching for the hypothetical neutrinoless double-beta decay from the Xe-136 isotope using a high-purity xenon TPC. Efficient discrimination of the events through pattern recognition of the topology of primary ionisation tracks is a major requirement for the experiment. However, it is limited by the diffusion of electrons. It is known that the addition of a small fraction of a molecular gas to xenon reduces electron diffusion. On the other hand, the electroluminescence (EL) yield drops and the achievable energy resolution may be compromised. We have studied the effect of adding several molecular gases to xenon (CO2, CH4 and CF4) on the EL yield and energy resolution obtained in a small prototype of driftless gas proportional scintillation counter. We have compared our results on the scintillation characteristics (EL yield and energy resolution) with a microscopic simulation, obtaining the diffusion coefficients in those conditions as well. Accordingly, electron diffusion may be reduced from about 10 for pure xenon down to 2.5 using additive concentrations of about 0.05%, 0.2% and 0.02% for CO2, CH4 and CF4, respectively. Our results show that CF4 admixtures present the highest EL yield in those conditions, but very poor energy resolution as a result of huge fluctuations observed in the EL formation. CH4 presents the best energy resolution despite the EL yield being the lowest. The results obtained with xenon admixtures are extrapolated to the operational conditions of the NEXT-100 TPC. CO2 and CH4 show potential as molecular additives in a large xenon TPC. While CO2 has some operational constraints, making it difficult to be used in a large TPC, CH4 shows the best performance and stability as molecular additive to be used in the NEXT-100 TPC, with an extrapolated energy resolution of 0.4% at 2.45 MeV for concentrations below 0.4%, which is only slightly worse than the one obtained for pure xenon. We demonstrate the possibility to have an electroluminescence TPC operating very close to the thermal diffusion limit without jeopardizing the TPC performance, if CO2 or CH4 are chosen as additives.
Address (up) [Henriques, C. A. O.; Monteiro, C. M. B.; Freitas, E. D. C.; Mano, R. D. P.; Jorge, M. R.; Fernandes, A. F. M.; Fernandes, L. M. P.; dos Santos, J. M. F.] Univ Coimbra, Phys Dept, LIBPhys, Rua Larga, P-3004516 Coimbra, Portugal, Email: pancho@gian.fis.uc.pt
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springer Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1029-8479 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000455157300002 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 3873
Permanent link to this record