NEXT, a HPGXe TPC for neutrinoless double beta decay searches
Abstract
We propose a novel detection concept for neutrinoless double-beta decay searches. This concept is based on a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) filled with high-pressure gaseous xenon, and with separated-function capabilities for calorimetry and tracking. Thanks to its excellent energy resolution, together with its powerful background rejection provided by the distinct double-beta decay topological signature, the design discussed in this Letter Of Intent promises to be competitive and possibly out-perform existing proposals for next-generation neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments. We discuss the detection principles, design specifications, physics potential and R&D plans to construct a detector with 100 kg fiducial mass in the double-beta decay emitting isotope Xe(136), to be installed in the Canfranc Underground Laboratory.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.0907.4054,
title = {NEXT, a HPGXe TPC for neutrinoless double beta decay searches},
author = {The NEXT Collaboration and F. Granena and T. Lux and F. Nova and J. Rico and F. Sanchez and D. R. Nygren and J. A. S. Barata and F. I. G. M. Borges and C. A. N. Conde and T. H. V. T. Dias and L. M. P. Fernandes and E. D. C. Freitas and J. A. M. Lopes and C. M. B. Monteiro and J. M. F. dos Santos and F. P. Santos and L. M. N. Tavora and J. F. C. A. Veloso and E. Calvo and I. Gil-Botella and P. Novella and C. Palomares and A. Verdugo and I. Giomataris and E. Ferrer-Ribas and J. A. Hernando-Morata and D. Martinez and X. Cid and M. Ball and S. Carcel and A. Cervera and J. Diaz and A. Gil and J. J. Gomez-Cadenas and J. Martin-Albo and F. Monrabal and J. Munoz-Vidal and L. Serra and M. Sorel and N. Yahlali and R. Esteve Bosch and C. W. Lerche and J. D. Martinez and F. J. Mora and A. Sebastia and A. Tarazona and J. F. Toledo and M. Lazaro and J. L. Perez and L. Ripoll and J. M. Carmona and S. Cebrian and T. Dafni and J. Galan and H. Gomez and F. J. Iguaz and I. G. Irastorza and G. Luzon and J. Morales and A. Rodriguez and J. Ruz and A. Tomas and J. A. Villar},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0907.4054},
year = {2009}
}
Comments
Letter of Intent to the LSC Scientific Committee 115 pages