Moline, A., Schewtschenko, J. A., Palomares-Ruiz, S., Boehm, C., & Baugh, C. M. (2016). Isotropic extragalactic flux from dark matter annihilations: lessons from interacting dark matter scenarios. J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys., 08(8), 069–23pp.
Abstract: The extragalactic gamma-ray and neutrino emission may have a contribution from dark matter (DM) annihilations. In the case of discrepancies between observations and standard predictions, one could infer the DM pair annihilation cross section into cosmic rays by studying the shape of the energy spectrum. So far all analyses of the extragalactic DM signal have assumed the standard cosmological model (ACDM) as the underlying theory. However, there are alternative DM scenarios where the number of low-mass objects is significantly suppressed. Therefore the characteristics of the gamma-ray and neutrino emission in these models may differ from ACDM as a result. Here we show that the extragalactic isotropic signal in these alternative models has a similar energy dependence to that in ACDM, but the overall normalisation is reduced. The similarities between the energy spectra combined with the flux suppression could lead one to misinterpret possible evidence for models beyond ACDM as being due to CDM particles annihilating with a much weaker cross section than expected.
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NEXT Collaboration(Mistry, K. et al), Carcel, S., Lopez-March, N., Martin-Albo, J., Novella, P., Querol, M., et al. (2024). Design, characterization and installation of the NEXT-100 cathode and electroluminescence regions. J. Instrum., 19(2), P02007–36pp.
Abstract: NEXT -100 is currently being constructed at the Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canfranc in the Spanish Pyrenees and will search for neutrinoless double beta decay using a high-pressure gaseous time projection chamber (TPC) with 100 kg of xenon. Charge amplification is carried out via electroluminescence (EL) which is the process of accelerating electrons in a high electric field region causing secondary scintillation of the medium proportional to the initial charge. The NEXT -100 EL and cathode regions are made from tensioned hexagonal meshes of 1 m diameter. This paper describes the design, characterization, and installation of these parts for NEXT -100. Simulations of the electric field are performed to model the drift and amplification of ionization electrons produced in the detector under various EL region alignments and rotations. Measurements of the electrostatic breakdown voltage in air characterize performance under high voltage conditions and identify breakdown points. The electrostatic deflection of the mesh is quantified and fit to a first -pr inciples mechanical model. Measurements were performed with both a standalone test EL region and with the NEXT-100 EL region before its installation in the detector. Finally, we describe the parts as installed in NEXT-100, following their deployment in Summer 2023.
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Mengoni, D., Duenas, J. A., Assie, M., Boiano, C., John, P. R., Aliaga, R. J., et al. (2014). Digital pulse-shape analysis with a TRACE early silicon prototype. Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A, 764, 241–246.
Abstract: A highly segmented silicon-pad detector prototype has been tested to explore the performance of the digital pulse shape analysis in the discrimination of the particles reaching the silicon detector. For the first time a 200 tun thin silicon detector, grown using an ordinary floating zone technique, has been shown to exhibit a level discrimination thanks to the fine segmentation. Light-charged particles down to few MeV have been separated, including their punch-through. A coaxial HPGe detector in time coincidence has further confirmed the quality of the particle discrimination.
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n_TOF Collaboration(Mendoza, E. et al), Giubrone, G., & Tain, J. L. (2011). Improved Neutron Capture Cross Section Measurements with the n_TOF Total Absorption Calorimeter. J. Korean Phys. Soc., 59(2), 1813–1816.
Abstract: The n_TOF collaboration operates a Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC) [1] for measuring neutron capture cross-sections of low-mass and/or radioactive samples. The results obtained with the TAC have led to a substantial improvement of the capture cross sections of (237)Np and (240)Pu [2]. The experience acquired during the first measurements has allowed us to optimize the performance of the TAC and to improve the capture signal to background ratio, thus opening the way to more complex and demanding measurements on rare radioactive materials. The new design has been reached by a series of detailed Monte Carlo simulations of complete experiments and dedicated test measurements. The new capture setup will be presented and the main achievements highlighted.
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de Souza, P. M., Muller, A., Beniaich, A., Mayer-Miebach, E., Oehlke, K., Stahl, M., et al. (2015). Functional properties and nutritional composition of liquid egg products treated in a coiled tube UV-C reactor. Innov. Food Sci. Emerg. Technol., 32, 156–164.
Abstract: Pasteurization of eggs has adverse effects on nutrient composition and functionality of egg proteins. UV processing is an alternative technology with potentially fewer adverse effects as it is less intrusive. Egg white, whole egg and egg yolk vitamins (A, B-2, B-5, C and E), minerals (P, Cl, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn) and main secondary metabolites (lutein and zeaxanthin) were examined after exposure to UV in a coiled tube UV-C reactor at doses known to achieve microbiologically stable egg fractions. The studied nutrients were fairly stable to a treatment with UVC light with the exception of retinal, vitamin C and carotenoids, which showed loses up to 80%, 66% and 61%, respectively. Moreover, the functional properties of ultraviolet-treated eggs were investigated. Results showed a positive impact on the foam ability and foam stability, and an increase on the emulsifying activity index above 20% versus pasteurized samples. Processing with UV can maintain most of the egg nutritive properties, and retain or even improve the technological properties of foaming and emulsification in eggs. Industrial relevance:: This novel UV-C system can be applied successfully to the Food Industry. UV-C does not impair nutritional damage to egg-treated products, and even improve egg functional properties.
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