A5012070600- Particle Detector Development and Performance
- Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena
- Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies
- Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
- Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry
- Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
- Particle Accelerators and Free-Electron Lasers
- Particle accelerators and beam dynamics
- Cosmology and Gravitation Theories
- Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research
- Superconducting Materials and Applications
- Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques
- Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Geophysics and Gravity Measurements
- Black Holes and Theoretical Physics
- Crystallography and Radiation Phenomena
European Organization for Nuclear Research
2015-2024
Universidad de Zaragoza
2013-2019
University of Patras
2019
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
2017
DTU Space
2016
Technical University of Denmark
2016
Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics
2015
Hypothetical low-mass particles, such as axions, provide a compelling explanation for the dark matter in universe. Such particles are expected to emerge abundantly from hot interior of stars. To test this prediction, CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) uses 9 T refurbished Large Hadron Collider magnet directed towards Sun. In strong magnetic field, solar axions can be converted X-ray photons which recorded by detectors. 2013–2015 run, thanks low-background detectors and new telescope,...
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) will be a forth generation axion helioscope. As its primary physics goal, IAXO look for axions or axion-like particles (ALPs) originating in the Sun via Primakoff conversion of solar plasma photons. In terms signal-to-noise ratio, about 4–5 orders magnitude more sensitive than CAST, currently most powerful helioscope, reaching sensitivity to axion-photon couplings down few × 10−12 GeV−1 and thus probing large fraction unexplored ALP parameter space....
The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) searches for $a\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ conversion in the 9 T magnetic field of a refurbished LHC test magnet that can be directed toward Sun. Two parallel bores filled with helium adjustable pressure to match x-ray refractive mass ${m}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ axion search ${m}_{a}$. After vacuum phase (2003--2004), which is optimal ${m}_{a}\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.02\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$, we used $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ 2005--2007...
Abstract Objective . Very high energy electrons (VHEE) in the range of 50–250 MeV are interest for treating deep-seated tumours with FLASH radiotherapy (RT). This approach offers favourable dose distributions and ability to deliver ultra-high rates (UHDR) efficiently. To make VHEE-based treatment clinically viable, a novel beam monitoring technology is explored as an alternative transmission ionisation monitor chambers, which have non-linear responses at UHDR. study introduces fibre optic...
In this work we present a search for (solar) chameleons with the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST). This novel experimental technique, in field of dark energy research, exploits both chameleon coupling to matter (βm) and photons (βγ) via Primakoff effect. By reducing X-ray detection threshold used axions from 1 keV 400 eV CAST became sensitive converted solar spectrum which peaks around 600 eV. Even though have not observed any excess above background, can provide 95% C.L. limit strength...
We report on a first measurement with sensitive opto-mechanical force sensor designed for the direct detection of coupling real chameleons to matter. These dark energy candidates could be produced in Sun and stream unimpeded Earth. The KWISP detector installed CAST axion search experiment at CERN looks tiny displacements thin membrane caused by mechanical effect solar chameleons. are detected Michelson interferometer homodyne readout scheme. benefits from focusing action ABRIXAS X-ray...
The recently constructed H4-VLE beam line, a tertiary extension branch of the existing H4 line in CERN North Area, was commissioned October 2018. designed with purpose providing very low energy (VLE) hadrons and positrons to NP-04 experiment, momentum range $1--7\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/c$. production these low-energy particles is achieved mixed hadron (pions, kaons, protons), $80\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}/c$ secondary impinging on thick target. has been instrumented prototype scintillating...
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) is a new generation axion helioscope aiming at sensitivity to the axion-photon coupling of gaγ ≳ few × 10−12 GeV−1, i.e. 1–1.5 orders magnitude beyond one achieved by CAST, currently most sensitive helioscope. main elements IAXO are an increased magnetic field volume together with extensive use x-ray focusing optics and low background detectors, innovations already successfully tested in CAST. Additional physics cases could include detection...
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) is a proposed 4th-generation axion helioscope with the primary physics research goal to search for solar axions via their Primakoff conversion into photons of 1 – 10 keV energies in strong magnetic field. IAXO will achieve sensitivity axion-photon coupling gaγ down few ×10−12 GeV−1 wide range masses up ∼ 0.25 eV. This an improvement over currently best (3rd generation) helioscope, CERN Solar Telescope (CAST), about 5 orders magnitude signal...
We have studied low-background techniques in order to improve the background level for Micromegas detectors. These detectors are good candidates rare event searches thanks low mass and radiopurity of materials used construction; moreover they discrimination capabilities. The motivation these studies is reduction CAST experiment where three four operating currently microbulk type. last result experience acquired has been by a factor 4.5 two experiment, corresponding an improvement 2 signal strength.
We report on a new search for solar chameleons with the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST). A GridPix detector was used to soft X-ray photons in energy range from 200 eV 10 keV converted chameleons. No signiffcant excess over expected background has been observed data taken 2014 and 2015. set an improved limit chameleon photon coupling, $\beta_\gamma < 5.7\times10^{10}$ $1<\beta_\mathrm{m}<10^6$ at 95% C.L. improving our previous results by factor two first time reaching sensitivity below...
Although they have not yet been detected, axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) continue to maintain the interest (even increasingly so) of rare-event searches community as viable candidates for Dark Matter Universe but also a solution several other puzzles astrophysics. Their property coupling photons has inspired different experimental methods their detection, one which is helioscope technique. The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) most sensitive built up date recently published part...
The CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) delivers a wide spectrum of particle beams (hadrons, leptons and heavy ions) that can vary greatly in momentum intensity. profile position these are measured using detectors. However, the current systems show several problems limit quality such monitoring. We have researched new monitor made scintillating fibres read-out with Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM), which has potential to perform better terms material budget, range intensities available...
The Beam Instrumentation group at CERN has developed a new scintillating fibre beam monitor for the measurement of secondary particle beams in Experimental Areas. simple design that stands out its low material budget, vacuum compatibility, good performance, cost, and ease production. By using different read-out techniques can perform several functions, such as profile, position intensity beam, momentum spectrometry, generation fast trigger signals, time-of-flight identification. been...
The IAXO (International Axion Experiment) is a fourth generation helioscope with sensitivity, in terms of detectable signal counts, at least 104 better than CAST phase-I, resulting sensitivity on gaγ one order magnitude better. To achieve this performance will count 8-coil toroidal magnet 60 cm diameter bores and equipped X-ray focusing optics into 0.20 cm2 spots coupled to ultra-low background Micromegas detectors. be platform that allow solar tracking for 12 hours per day. next short term...
Solar axions could be converted into x-rays inside the strong magnetic field of an axion helioscope, triggering detection this elusive particle. Low background x-ray detectors are essential component for sensitivity these searches. We report on latest developments Micromegas CERN Axion Telescope (CAST), including technological pathfinder activities future International Observatory (IAXO). The use low techniques and application discrimination algorithms based high granularity readout have led...
Cherenkov threshold detectors (XCET) are used for identifying particles in the experimental areas at CERN. These observe light emitted by charged travelling inside a pressurized gas vessel. A key component of XCET detector is 45-degree flat mirror reflecting towards photomultiplier (PMT). thorough analysis and optimization was conducted on design materials this mirror, along with surface coatings coating techniques. suitable manufacturing process selected, first prototype produced,...
In the framework of CERN Neutrino Platform project, extensions to existing SPS North Area secondary beam lines "H2" and "H4", able provide low-energy charged particles in momentum range from 0.4 12 GeV/c, have been designed. The parameters these "very low energy" lines, expected composition as seen by experiments well an outlook on their performance are summarized this paper. Results Monte-Carlo simulations, important for optimization future instrumentation (serving both purpose tuning...
Abstract For many decades the CERN North Area facility at Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) has delivered secondary beams to various fixed target experiments and test beams. In 2018, two new tertiary extensions of existing beam lines, designated “H2-VLE” “H4-VLE”, have been constructed successfully commissioned. These lines designed provide charged particles both polarities in momentum range from 0.3GeV/ c 12GeV/ c. During design phase, multiple simulation tools techniques employed optimize...
The performance of the Cherenkov threshold detectors (XCET) used in secondary beam areas (SBA) at CERN is limited by their built-in optics. This study showcases an improved design using compound parabolic concentrators (CPCs) to reduce size and cost optics while optimizing light collection efficiency. detector was simulated with Geant4 over its full experimental range terms pressure, momentum, particle type. efficiency current found be geometry mirror. optimized CPC designs resulted a...