Low Background Micromegas in CAST

Garza, J.G. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Aune, S. ; Aznar, F. ; Calvet, D. ; Castel, J.F. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Christensen, F.E. ; Dafni, T. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Davenport, M. ; Decker, T. ; Ferrer-Ribas, E. ; Galán, J. ; García, J.A. ; Giomataris, I. ; Hill, R.M. ; Iguaz, F.J. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; García Irastorza, I. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; AJakobsen, A.C. ; Jourde, D. ; Mirallas, H. ; Ortega, I. ; Papaevangelou, T. ; Pivovaroff, M.J. ; Ruz, J. ; Tomás, A. ; Vafeiadis, T. ; Vogel, J.K.

Resumen: Solar axions could be converted into x-rays inside the strong magnetic field of an axion helioscope, triggering the detection of this elusive particle. Low background x-ray detectors are an essential component for the sensitivity of these searches. We report on the latest developments of the Micromegas detectors for the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST), including technological pathfinder activities for the future International Axion Observatory (IAXO). The use of low background techniques and the application of discrimination algorithms based on the high granularity of the readout have led to background levels below 10-6 counts/keV/cm2/s, more than a factor 100 lower than the first generation of Micromegas detectors. The best levels achieved at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory (LSC) are as low as 10-7 counts/keV/cm2/s, showing good prospects for the application of this technology in IAXO. The current background model, based on underground and surface measurements, is presented, as well as the strategies to further reduce the background level. Finally, we will describe the R&D; paths to achieve sub-keV energy thresholds, which could broaden the physics case of axion helioscopes.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/650/1/012008

Año: 2015

Publicado en: Journal of Physics: Conference Series 650 (2015), 12008 [6 pp.]
ISSN: 1742-6588

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.252 - Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous) (Q3)

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EUR/EIC-CERN-2011-0006
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/FP7/ 240054/EU/Novel Developments in Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) for Rare Event Searches in Underground Astroparticle EXperiments/TREX
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MINECO-FEDER/FPA2008-03456
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MINECO-FEDER/FPA2011-24058

Tipo y forma: Congress (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Proy. investigación HCA (Dpto. Física Teórica)
Área (Departamento): Área Física Atóm.Molec.y Nucl. (Dpto. Física Teórica)