Y. Ifergan
A5007278198- Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
- Neutrino Physics Research
- Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena
- Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies
- Particle Detector Development and Performance
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research
- Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry
- Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
- Muon and positron interactions and applications
- Radioactive contamination and transfer
- Radioactivity and Radon Measurements
- Photocathodes and Microchannel Plates
- Quantum, superfluid, helium dynamics
- Particle accelerators and beam dynamics
- Radiation Effects in Electronics
- Graphite, nuclear technology, radiation studies
- Gyrotron and Vacuum Electronics Research
- Nuclear reactor physics and engineering
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
2009-2024
Argonne National Laboratory
2022
The Technological College of Beer Sheva
2011
Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel)
2010
A bstract The Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC (NEXT) searches for the neutrinoless double-beta (0 νββ ) decay of 136 Xe using high-pressure xenon gas TPCs electroluminescent amplification. scaled-up version this technology about 1 tonne enriched could reach in less than 5 years operation sensitivity to half-life 0 better 10 27 years, improving current limits by at least one order magnitude. This prediction is based on well-understood background model dominated radiogenic sources....
A bstract The NEXT experiment aims at the sensitive search of neutrinoless double beta decay in 136 Xe, using high-pressure gas electroluminescent time projection chambers. NEXT-White detector is first radiopure demonstrator this technology, operated Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc. Achieving an energy resolution 1% FWHM 2.6 MeV and further background rejection by means topology reconstructed tracks, has been exploited beyond its original goals order to perform a neu- trinoless search....
A bstract Excellent energy resolution is one of the primary advantages electroluminescent high-pressure xenon TPCs. These detectors are promising tools in searching for rare physics events, such as neutrinoless double-beta decay ( ββ 0 ν ), which require precise measurements. Using NEXT-White detector, developed by NEXT (Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC) collaboration, we show first time that an 1% FWHM can be achieved at 2.6 MeV, establishing present technology best all searches.
If neutrinos are their own antiparticles the otherwise-forbidden nuclear reaction known as neutrinoless double beta decay can occur. The very long lifetime expected for these exceptional events makes its detection a daunting task. In order to conduct an almost background-free experiment, NEXT collaboration is investigating novel synthetic molecular sensors that may capture Ba dication produced in of certain Xe isotopes high-pressure gas experiment. use such detectors immobilized on surfaces...
Low-level radioactive surface-contamination measurements require lightweight, large-area, and high-efficiency detectors. In the previous work, we utilized wavelength shifting (WLS) fibers, coupled to a beta-sensitive plastic scintillator (PS) layer on one side, an alpha-sensitive ZnS(Ag) both sides, for detecting alpha beta particles. this main goal was improve light collection (maximizing number of photons reaching PMT) by optimizing WLS fibers structure, getting better signal-to-noise...
136 Xe is used as the target medium for many experiments searching 0νββ.Despite underground operation, cosmic muons that reach laboratory can produce spallation neutrons causing activation of detector materials.A potential background difficult to veto using muon tagging comes in form 137 created by capture on Xe.This isotope decays via beta decay with a half-life 3.8 minutes and Q β ∼4.16 MeV.This work proposes explores concept adding small percentage 3 He xenon means thermal reduce number...
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is an excellent diffuse reflector widely used in light collection systems for particle physics experiments. However, the reflectance of PTFE a function its thickness. In this work, we investigate dependence air wavelengths 260 nm and 450 using two complementary methods. We find that thicknesses from 5 mm to 10 ranges 92.5% 94.5% at nm, 90.0% 92.0% nm. also see given thickness can vary by as much 2.7% within same piece material. Finally, show placing specular...
A bstract Next-generation neutrinoless double beta decay experiments aim for half-life sensitivities of ∼ 10 27 yr, requiring suppressing backgrounds to < 1 count/tonne/yr. For this, any extra background rejection handle, beyond excellent energy resolution and the use extremely radiopure materials, is utmost importance. The NEXT experiment exploits differences in spatial ionization patterns single-electron events discriminate signal from background. While former display two Bragg peak...
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is an excellent diffuse reflector widely used in light collection systems for particle physics experiments. In noble element systems, it often coated with tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB) to allow detection of vacuum ultraviolet scintillation light. this work dependence investigated PTFE TPB air wavelengths 200~nm, 260~nm, and 450~nm. The results show that TPB-coated has a reflectance approximately 92\% thicknesses ranging from 5~mm 10~mm at 450~nm, negligible...
A bstract In experiments searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay, the possibility of identifying two emitted electrons is a powerful tool in rejecting background events and therefore improving overall sensitivity experiment. this paper we present first measurement efficiency cut based on different event signatures double single electron tracks, using data NEXT-White detector, detector NEXT experiment operating underground. Using 228 Th calibration source to produce signal-like...
The Neutrino Experiment with a Xenon TPC (NEXT) searches for the neutrinoless double-beta decay of Xe-136 using high-pressure xenon gas TPCs electroluminescent amplification. A scaled-up version this technology about 1 tonne enriched could reach in less than 5 years operation sensitivity to half-life better 1E27 years, improving current limits by at least one order magnitude. This prediction is based on well-understood background model dominated radiogenic sources. detector concept presented...
Abstract Noble element time projection chambers are a leading technology for rare event detection in physics, such as dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay searches. Time typically assign position the drift direction using relative timing of prompt scintillation delayed charge collection signals, allowing reconstruction an absolute direction. In this paper, alternate methods assigning distance via quantification electron diffusion pure high pressure xenon gas chamber explored. Data...
A bstract High pressure xenon Time Projection Chambers (TPC) based on secondary scintillation (electroluminescence) signal amplification are being proposed for rare event detection such as directional dark matter, double electron capture and beta decay detection. The discrimination of the through topological signature primary ionisation trails is a major asset this type TPC when compared to single liquid or double-phase TPCs, limited mainly by high diffusion in pure xenon. Helium admixtures...
Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are widely used state-of-the-art computer vision tools that becoming increasingly popular in high energy physics. In this paper, we attempt to understand the potential of CNNs for event classification NEXT experiment, which will search neutrinoless double-beta decay $^{136}$Xe. To do so, demonstrate usage identification electron-positron pair production events, exhibit a topology similar event. These events were produced NEXT-White high-pressure xenon TPC...
High pressure xenon Time Projection Chambers (TPC) based on secondary scintillation (electroluminescence) signal amplification are being proposed for rare event detection such as directional dark matter, double electron capture and beta decay detection. The discrimination of the through topological signature primary ionisation trails is a major asset this type TPC when compared to single liquid or double-phase TPCs, limited mainly by high diffusion in pure xenon. Helium admixtures with can...
A bstract Double electron capture by proton-rich nuclei is a second-order nuclear process analogous to double beta decay. Despite their similarities, the decay signature quite different, potentially providing new channel measure hypothesized neutrinoless mode of these decays. The Standard-Model-allowed two-neutrino (2 νEC EC ) has been predicted for number isotopes, but only observed in 78 Kr, 130 Ba and, recently, 124 Xe. sensitivity this establishes benchmark ultimate experimental goal,...
Abstract NEXT-100 is currently being constructed at the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc in Spanish Pyrenees and will search for neutrinoless double beta decay using a high-pressure gaseous time projection chamber (TPC) with 100 kg of xenon. Charge amplification carried out via electroluminescence (EL) which process accelerating electrons high electric field region causing secondary scintillation medium proportional to initial charge. The EL cathode regions are made from tensioned...