WP3: R&D on ultra low-level WP3: R&D on ultra low-level

detectors and facilitiesdetectors and facilities

JRA1 general meeting, Paris, Feb. 14JRA1 general meeting, Paris, Feb. 14thth 2006 2006

14-FEB-2006 JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein

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extension of the Low Level Laboratory at LNGS new space in hall A (GNO counting labs)

development of new generation of HPGe detectors for ultra low-level applications

two new detectors arrived in Gran Sasso (GeMPI-3 in Nov. 2005, GeMPI-4 in Feb. 2006) shielding design is under preparation set-up of ultra low-level scintillation counter system

counting of 3H standards started, water distillation (laboratory scale) is ready, Eichrom® resin cartridge system for 3H is ready in the chemistry lab ultra low-level gas counting (GNO counting lab)

new space in hall A now available, GNO counting systemis available

Development and strengthening of the ultra low-level background facilities at the

LNGS

14-FEB-2006 JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein

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LVD

CUORECUORICINO

CRESST GERDA

Location of "new" building in hall A: still clean room capabilities are available

new LLL

14-FEB-2006 JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein

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Recent developments the two new ultra low-level Germanium

detectors developed in the MPI-K of Heidelberg arrived in Gran Sasso;

new DAQ system for 4-fold Ge-detector; allows for (anti-) coincidence measurements, pulse shape analysis and list mode DAQ; larger sample volume possible;

space allocation in the laboratory:– ERMES activities ongoing in existing LLL– M-Cavern is stopped and dismounting GPC system,

freeing up space – ILIAS related equipment present in hall A

14-FEB-2006 JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein

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Application of low background techniques to interdisciplinary fields environmental radioactivity measurements are

ongoing (above all within the ERMES project by Dr. Wolfango Plastino)

tritium standards provided by Dr. Wolfango Plastino in collaboration with IAEA are in measurement on the ultra low-level LSC (at the moment some technical problems with LSC)

geophysics (proposal by Dr. Wolfango Plastino for radon measurements in Boulby)

14-FEB-2006 JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein

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Radiopurity of materials and purification techniques

Set-up a database containing relevant information on radiopurity of materials commonly used for low background applications. (collaboration with WP 4 must be improved)

Measurement of poorly known radiopurity of materials with possible applications within ultra-low background experiments. (only activities within experiments, e.g. GERDA, CUORE)

Cross-check of measuring methods available at the different labs. (see talk of Dr. Claudia Tomei in WP 4 session)

14-FEB-2006 JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein

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Future improvements HPGe-detectors

re-design of sample handling (glove box, Rn tight sealing)

flushing detector chamber with more Rn-pure N2

due to change of nitrogen supplier (Air Liquide Linde); in near future use of boil-off nitrogen;

refurbishment of older detectors; improvement of DAQ and/or electric supply

(common ground, filtered plugs, dehumidificator)

14-FEB-2006 JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein

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MPI-K-HD Gas Proportional Counting

GNO counting system available DAQ upgrade necessary new counter filling line with gas

chromatography