Spectral Study of a Broad Energy HPGe Detector for First Measurement of Coherent Neutrino Scattering (2015)
Undergraduates: Jason Surbrook, Matthew Green, Oak Ridge National Lab
Faculty Advisor: John Wilkerson
Department: Physics & Astronomy
Intense neutrino flux at the Spallation
Intense neutrino flux at the Spallation
Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in
the energy domain below E? = 50MeV makes SNS a suitable location
for measurement of Coherent Neutrino Scattering. Coherent scattering
is assumed to occupy vital roles in supernovae (SN) events and measurement
offers promising insight into SN mechanics and advancements
in SN-? detection. Furthermore, this interaction is well-calculable and
therefore, a strong test of the Standard Model. P-Type Point Contact
High-purity germanium detectors are excellent candidates for this
measurement due to their sensitivity to low-energy nuclear recoils. One
such, a Canberra Broad Energy HPGe detector, was tested for quality
degradation from exposure to fast neutrons in the SNS target building,
to assess usefulness in a future coherent scattering experiment. Analysis
of the lead-shielded spectra was handled using tools developed for
the Majorana Demonstrator neutrinoless double-beta decay experiment.
Broad spectrum energy resolution and 68Ge decay rates were
calculated. This poster will present findings that will help determine
this detectors eligibility and exposure limitations for measurement in a
future coherent neutrino scattering experiment at the SNS.