|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Gomez-Cadenas, J.J.; Martin-Albo, J.; Menendez, J.; Mezzetto, M.; Monrabal, F.; Sorel, M.
Title The search for neutrinoless double-beta decay Type Journal Article
Year (down) 2024 Publication Rivista del Nuovo Cimento Abbreviated Journal Riv. Nuovo Cimento
Volume 46 Issue Pages 619-692
Keywords Neutrinos; Majorana; Double-beta decay; Nuclear matrix elements
Abstract Neutrinos are the only particles in the Standard Model that could be Majorana fermions, that is, completely neutral fermions that are their own antiparticles. The most sensitive known experimental method to verify whether neutrinos are Majorana particles is the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay. The last 2 decades have witnessed the development of a vigorous program of neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments, spanning several isotopes and developing different strategies to handle the backgrounds masking a possible signal. In addition, remarkable progress has been made in the understanding of the nuclear matrix elements of neutrinoless double-beta decay, thus reducing a substantial part of the theoretical uncertainties affecting the particle-physics interpretation of the process. On the other hand, the negative results by several experiments, combined with the hints that the neutrino mass ordering could be normal, may imply very long lifetimes for the neutrinoless double-beta decay process. In this report, we review the main aspects of such process, the recent progress on theoretical ideas and the experimental state of the art. We then consider the experimental challenges to be addressed to increase the sensitivity to detect the process in the likely case that lifetimes are much longer than currently explored, and discuss a selection of the most promising experimental efforts.
Address [Gomez-Cadenas, Juan Jose; Monrabal, Francesc] Donostia Int Phys Ctr, ERC Basque Excellence Res Ctr, Donostia San Sebastian 20018, Spain, Email: jjgomezcadenas@dipc.org
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springernature Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0393-697x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:001151173800001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 5915
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Mistry, K. et al); Carcel, S.; Lopez-March, N.; Martin-Albo, J.; Novella, P.; Querol, M.; Romo-Luque, C.; Sorel, M.; Soto-Oton, J.; Uson, A.
Title Design, characterization and installation of the NEXT-100 cathode and electroluminescence regions Type Journal Article
Year (down) 2024 Publication Journal of Instrumentation Abbreviated Journal J. Instrum.
Volume 19 Issue 2 Pages P02007 - 36pp
Keywords Detector design and construction technologies and materials; Double-beta decay detectors; Charge transport; multiplication and electroluminescence in rare gases and liquids; Time projection Chambers (TPC)
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.
Address [Mistry, K.; Jones, B. J. P.; Munson, B.; Norman, L.; Oliver, D.; Pingulkar, S.; Rodriguez-Tiscareno, M.; Silva, K.; Stogsdill, K.; Byrnes, N.; Dey, E.; Navarro, K. E.; Nygren, D. R.; Parmaksiz, I.] Univ Texas Arlington, Dept Phys, Arlington, TX 76019 USA, Email: next-src@pegaso.ific.uv.es
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:001185791500003 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 6071
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Byrnes, N.K. et al); Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Lopez, F.; Lopez-March, N.; Martin-Albo, J.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Novella, P.; Querol, M.; Romo-Luque, C.; Sorel, M.; Uson, A.
Title NEXT-CRAB-0: a high pressure gaseous xenon time projection chamber with a direct VUV camera based readout Type Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Journal of Instrumentation Abbreviated Journal J. Instrum.
Volume 18 Issue 8 Pages P08006 - 33pp
Keywords Double-beta decay detectors; Optical detector readout concepts; Particle tracking detectors (Gaseous detectors); Time projection chambers
Abstract The search for neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) remains one of the most compelling experimental avenues for the discovery in the neutrino sector. Electroluminescent gas-phase time projection chambers are well suited to 0νββ searches due to their intrinsically precise energy resolution and topological event identification capabilities. Scalability to ton-and multi-ton masses requires readout of large-area electroluminescent regions with fine spatial resolution, low radiogenic backgrounds, and a scalable data acquisition system. This paper presents a detector prototype that records event topology in an electroluminescent xenon gas TPC via VUV image-intensified cameras. This enables an extendable readout of large tracking planes with commercial devices that reside almost entirely outside of the active medium. Following further development in intermediate scale demonstrators, this technique may represent a novel and enlargeable method for topological event imaging in 0νββ.
Address [Byrnes, N. K.; Parmaksiz, I; Asaadi, J.; Baeza-Rubio, J.; Jones, B. J. P.; Mistry, K.; Moya, I. A.; Nygren, D. R.; Stogsdill, K.; Navarro, K. E.] Univ Texas Arlington, Dept Phys, Arlington, TX 76019 USA
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:001084390900004 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 5764
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Novella, P. et al); Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Lopez, F.; Lopez-March, N.; Martin-Albo, J.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Querol, M.; Romo-Luque, C.; Sorel, M.; Uson, A.
Title Demonstration of neutrinoless double beta decay searches in gaseous xenon with NEXT Type Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 09 Issue 9 Pages 190 - 35pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments); Rare Decay
Abstract The NEXT experiment aims at the sensitive search of the neutrinoless double beta decay in Xe-136, using high-pressure gas electroluminescent time projection chambers. The NEXT-White detector is the first radiopure demonstrator of this technology, operated in the Laboratorio Subterr & aacute;neo de Canfranc. Achieving an energy resolution of 1% FWHM at 2.6 MeV and further background rejection by means of the topology of the reconstructed tracks, NEXT-White has been exploited beyond its original goals in order to perform a neu-trinoless double beta decay search. The analysis considers the combination of 271.6 days of Xe-136-enriched data and 208.9 days of 136Xe-depleted data. A detailed background mod-eling and measurement has been developed, ensuring the time stability of the radiogenic and cosmogenic contributions across both data samples. Limits to the neutrinoless mode are obtained in two alternative analyses: a background-model-dependent approach and a novel direct background-subtraction technique, offering results with small dependence on the background model assumptions. With a fiducial mass of only 3.50 +/- 0.01 kg of Xe-136-enriched xenon, 90% C.L. lower limits to the neutrinoless double beta decay are found in the T-1/2(0 nu) > 5.5x10(23) -1.3x10(24) yr range, depending on the method. The presented techniques stand as a pro of-of-concept for the searches to be implemented with larger NEXT detectors.
Address [Hauptman, J.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, 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:001085073500001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 5798
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van Isacker, P.; Algora, A.; Vitéz-Sveiczer, A.; Kiss, G.G.; Orrigo, S.E.A.; Rubio, B.; Aguilera, P.
Title Gamow-Teller Beta Decay and Pseudo-SU(4) Symmetry Type Journal Article
Year (down) 2023 Publication Symmetry-Basel Abbreviated Journal Symmetry-Basel
Volume 15 Issue 11 Pages 2001 - 15pp
Keywords Gamow-Teller beta decay; pseudo-SU(4) symmetry; odd-odd N = Z nuclei
Abstract We report on recent experimental results on beta decay into self-conjugate ( N = Z) nuclei with mass number 58 <= A <= 70. Super-allowed b decays from the J(pi) = 0(+) ground state of a Z = N + 2 parent nucleus are to the isobaric analogue state through so-called Fermi transitions and to J(pi) = 1(+) states by way of Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions. The operator of the latter decay is a generator of Wigner's SU(4) algebra and as a consequence GT transitions obey selection rules associated with this symmetry. Since SU(4) is progressively broken with increasing A, mainly as a consequence of the spinorbit interaction, this symmetry is not relevant for the nuclei considered here. We argue, however, that the pseudo-spin-orbit splitting can be small in nuclei with 58 <= A <= 70, in which case nuclear states exhibit an approximate pseudo-SU(4) symmetry. To test this conjecture, GT decay strength is calculated with use of a schematic Hamiltonian with pseudo-SU(4) symmetry. Some generic features of the GT beta decay due to pseudo-SU(4) symmetry are pointed out. The experimentally observed GT strength indicates a restoration of pseudo-SU(4) symmetry for A = 70.
Address [Van Isacker, Piet] CEA, DRF, Grand Accelerateur Natl Ions Lourds GANIL, CNRS,IN2P3, Blvd Henri Becquerel, F-14076 Caen, France, Email: isacker@ganil.fr;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Mdpi Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:001114520800001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 5843
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Vitez-Sveiczer, A. et al; Algora, A.; Morales, A.I.; Rubio, B.; Agramunt, J.; Guadilla, V.; Montaner-Piza, A.; Orrigo, S.E.A.
Title The beta-decay of Kr-70 into Br-70: Restoration of the pseudo-SU(4) symmetry Type Journal Article
Year (down) 2022 Publication Physics Letters B Abbreviated Journal Phys. Lett. B
Volume 830 Issue Pages 137123 - 8pp
Keywords Beta decay of Kr-70; pn pairing; GT strength distribution; Pseudo-SU(4) symmetry; QRPA calculations
Abstract The beta-decay of the even-even nucleus Kr-70 with Z=N+2, has been investigated at the Radioactive Ion Beam Factory (RIBF) of the RIKEN Nishina Center using the BigRIPS fragment separator, the ZeroDegree Spectrometer, the WAS3ABI implantation station and the EURICA HPGe cluster array. Fifteen gamma-rays associated with the beta-decay of( 70)Kr into Br-70 have been identified for the first time, defining ten populated states below E-exc=3300 keV. The half-life of Kr-70 was derived with increased precision and found to be t(1/2)=45.19 +/- 0.14 ms. The beta-delayed proton emission probability has also been determined as epsilon(p)=0.545(23)%. An increase in the beta-strength to the yrast 1(+) state in comparison with the heaviest Z=N+2 system studied so far (Ge-62 decay) is observed that may indicate increased np correlations in the T=0 channel. The beta-decay strength deduced from the results is interpreted in terms of the proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation (pnQRPA) and also with a schematic model that includes isoscalar and isovector pairing in addition to quadrupole deformation. The application of this last model indicates an approximate realization of pseudo-SU(4) symmetry in this system.
Address [Vitez-Sveiczer, A.; Algora, A.; Morales, A., I; Rubio, B.; Agramunt, J.; Guadilla, V; Montaner-Piza, A.; Orrigo, S. E. A.; Gelletly, W.] Univ Valencia, Inst Fis Corpuscular, CSIC, E-46071 Valencia, Spain, Email: algora@ific.uv.es;
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 0370-2693 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000832707200002 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 5316
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 (down) 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 [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 (Kekic, M. et al); Benlloch-Rodriguez, J.M.; Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Lopez-March, N.; Martin-Albo, J.; Martinez, A.; Martinez-Lema, G.; Martinez-Vara, M.; Muñoz Vidal, J.; Novella, P.; Palmeiro, B.; Querol, M.; Renner, J.; Romo-Luque, C.; Sorel, M.; Uson, A.; Yahlali, N.
Title Demonstration of background rejection using deep convolutional neural networks in the NEXT experiment Type Journal Article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 01 Issue 1 Pages 189 - 22pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments)
Abstract Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are widely used state-of-the-art computer vision tools that are becoming increasingly popular in high-energy physics. In this paper, we attempt to understand the potential of CNNs for event classification in the NEXT experiment, which will search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in Xe-136. To do so, we demonstrate the usage of CNNs for the identification of electron-positron pair production events, which exhibit a topology similar to that of a neutrinoless double-beta decay event. These events were produced in the NEXT-White high-pressure xenon TPC using 2.6 MeV gamma rays from a Th-228 calibration source. We train a network on Monte Carlo-simulated events and show that, by applying on-the-fly data augmentation, the network can be made robust against differences between simulation and data. The use of CNNs offers significant improvement in signal efficiency and background rejection when compared to previous non-CNN-based analyses.
Address [Hauptman, J.; Nygren, D. R.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, 12 Phys Hall, Ames, IA 50011 USA, Email: marija.kekic@usc.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:000616730800001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4729
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Watanabe, H.; Watanabe, Y.X.; Hirayama, Y.; Andreyev, A.N.; Hashimoto, T.; Kondev, F.G.; Lane, G.J.; Litvinov, Y.A.; Liu, J.J.; Miyatake, H.; Moon, J.Y.; Morales, A.I.; Mukai, M.; Nishimura, S.; Niwase, T.; Rosenbusch, M.; Schury, P.; Shi, Y.; Wada, M.; Walker, P.M.
Title Beta decay of the axially asymmetric ground state of Re-192 Type Journal Article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Physics Letters B Abbreviated Journal Phys. Lett. B
Volume 814 Issue Pages 136088 - 6pp
Keywords Re-192; beta decay; Axial asymmetry; Shape transition
Abstract The beta decay of Re-192(75)117, which lies near the boundary between the regions of predicted prolate and oblate deformations, has been investigated using the KEK Isotope Separation System (KISS) in RIKEN Nishina Center. This is the first case in which a low-energy beam of rhenium isotope has been successfully extracted from an argon gas-stopping cell using a laser-ionization technique, following production via multi-nucleon transfer between heavy ions. The ground state of Re-192 has been assigned J(pi) = (0(-)) based on the observed beta feedings and deduced logf t values towards the 0(+) and 2(+) states in Os-192, which is known as a typical gamma-soft nucleus. The shape transition from axial symmetry to axial asymmetry in the Re isotopes is discussed from the viewpoint of single-particle structure using the nuclear Skyrme-Hartree-Fock model.
Address [Watanabe, H.] Beihang Univ, Sch Phys, Beijing 100191, Peoples R China, Email: hiroshi@ribf.riken.jp
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 0370-2693 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000621722300008 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4747
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author NEXT Collaboration (Martinez-Lema, G. et al); Benlloch-Rodriguez, J.M.; Carcel, S.; Carrion, J.V.; Diaz, J.; Felkai, R.; Kekic, M.; 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 Sensitivity of the NEXT experiment to Xe-124 double electron capture Type Journal Article
Year (down) 2021 Publication Journal of High Energy Physics Abbreviated Journal J. High Energy Phys.
Volume 02 Issue 2 Pages 203 - 25pp
Keywords Dark Matter and Double Beta Decay (experiments)
Abstract Double electron capture by proton-rich nuclei is a second-order nuclear process analogous to double beta decay. Despite their similarities, the decay signature is quite different, potentially providing a new channel to measure the hypothesized neutrinoless mode of these decays. The Standard-Model-allowed two-neutrino double electron capture (2 nu EC EC) has been predicted for a number of isotopes, but only observed in Kr-78, Ba-130 and, recently, Xe-124. The sensitivity to this decay establishes a benchmark for the ultimate experimental goal, namely the potential to discover also the lepton-number-violating neutrinoless version of this process, 0 nu EC EC. Here we report on the current sensitivity of the NEXT-White detector to Xe-124 2 nu EC EC and on the extrapolation to NEXT-100. Using simulated data for the 2 nu EC EC signal and real data from NEXT-White operated with Xe-124-depleted gas as background, we define an optimal event selection that maximizes the NEXT-White sensitivity. We estimate that, for NEXT-100 operated with xenon gas isotopically enriched with 1 kg of Xe-124 and for a 5-year run, a sensitivity to the 2 nu EC EC half-life of 6 x 10(22) y (at 90% confidence level) or better can be reached.
Address [Goldschmidt, A.; Hauptman, J.; Laing, A.; Martinez, A.; Para, A.] Iowa State Univ, Dept Phys & Astron, 12 Phys Hall, Ames, IA 50011 USA, Email: gonzalo.martinez.lema@weizmann.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:000624564800002 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4749
Permanent link to this record