CERN Accelerating science

Article
Report number	arXiv:1503.05107
Title	Low Background Micromegas in CAST
Related title	Low Background Micromegas in CAST
Author(s)	Garza, J.G. (Zaragoza U.) ; Aune, S. (IRFU, Saclay) ; Aznar, F. (Zaragoza U. ; LSC, Canfranc) ; Calvet, D. (IRFU, Saclay) ; Castel, J.F. (Zaragoza U.) ; Christensen, F.E. (Denmark, Tech. U.) ; Dafni, T. (Zaragoza U.) ; Davenport, M. (CERN) ; Decker, T. (LLNL, Livermore) ; Ferrer-Ribas, E. (IRFU, Saclay) ; Galán, J. (IRFU, Saclay) ; García, J.A. (Zaragoza U.) ; Giomataris, I. (IRFU, Saclay) ; Hill, R.M. (LLNL, Livermore) ; Iguaz, F.J. (Zaragoza U.) ; Irastorza, I.G. (Zaragoza U.) ; Jakobsen, A.C. (Denmark, Tech. U.) ; Jourde, D. (IRFU, Saclay) ; Mirallas, H. (Zaragoza U.) ; Ortega, I. (Zaragoza U. ; CERN) ; Papaevangelou, T. (IRFU, Saclay) ; Pivovaroff, M.J. (LLNL, Livermore) ; Ruz, J. (LLNL, Livermore) ; Tomás, A. (Zaragoza U. ; Imperial Coll., London) ; Vafeiadis, T. (CERN) ; Vogel, J.K. (LLNL, Livermore)
Publication	2015-11-16
Imprint	17 Mar 2015
Number of pages	6
Note	6 pages, 3 figures, Large TPC Conference 2014, Paris
In:	J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 650 (2015) 012008
In:	7th Symposium on large TPCs for low-energy rare event detection, Paris, France, 15 - 17 Dec 2014, pp.012008
DOI	10.1088/1742-6596/650/1/012008
Subject category	Detectors and Experimental Techniques
Accelerator/Facility, Experiment	CAST
Abstract	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/cm$^2$/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/cm$^2$/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.
Copyright/License	arXiv nonexclusive-distrib. 1.0 publication: © 2015-2024 The Author(s) (License: CC-BY-3.0)

Corresponding record in: Inspire