A5079381747- Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena
- Particle Detector Development and Performance
- Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research
- Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
- Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies
- Neutrino Physics Research
- Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry
- Scientific Research and Discoveries
- CCD and CMOS Imaging Sensors
- Quantum, superfluid, helium dynamics
- High-Energy Particle Collisions Research
- Quantum Mechanics and Applications
- Metallurgy and Material Forming
- Sensor Technology and Measurement Systems
- Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
- Boron Compounds in Chemistry
- Nuclear reactor physics and engineering
- Radiation Effects in Electronics
- Muon and positron interactions and applications
- Biofield Effects and Biophysics
University of Birmingham
2017-2025
Institut de Recherche sur les Lois Fondamentales de l'Univers
2018-2023
Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives
2018-2023
CEA Paris-Saclay
2018-2023
Université Paris-Saclay
2018-2023
The spherical proportional counter is a gaseous detector used in variety of applications, including direct dark matter and neutrino-less double beta decay searches. ACHINOS multi-anode structure read-out technology that overcomes the limitations single-anode structures for large-size detectors operation under high pressure. A resistive presented, where 3D printed central component coated Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) layer. production testing structure, terms stability resolution, described.
Abstract The New Experiments With Spheres-Gas (NEWS-G) collaboration intends to achieve sub-GeV/c 2 Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) detection using Spherical Proportional Counters (SPCs). SPCs are gaseous detectors relying on ionisation with a single ionization electron energy threshold. latest generation of SPC for direct dark matter searches has been installed at SNOLAB in Canada 2021. This article details the different processes involved fabrication NEWS-G experiment. Also...
Spherical proportional counters (SPCs) are gaseous particle detectors sensitive to single ionization electrons in their target media, with large detector volumes and low background rates. The $\mbox{NEWS-G}$ collaboration employs this technology search for low-mass dark matter, having previously performed searches at the Laboratoire Souterrain de Modane (LSM), including a recent campaign 135 cm diameter SPC filled methane. While situ calibrations of response were carried out LSM,...
Spherical Proportional Counters (SPCs) are a novel gaseous detector technology employed by the NEWS-G low-mass dark matter search experiment for their high sensitivity to single electrons from ionization. In this paper, we report on first characterization of electron response SPCs with unprecedented precision, using UV-laser calibration system. The experimental approach and analysis methodology presented along various direct applications upcoming next phase at SNOLAB. These include...
The NEWS-G collaboration uses spherical proportional counters (SPCs) to search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). In this paper, we report the first measurements of nuclear quenching factor in neon gas at 2 bar using an SPC deployed a neutron beam TUNL facility. energy-dependence is modeled simple power law: $\ensuremath{\alpha}{\mathrm{E}}_{\mathrm{nr}}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}$; determine its parameters by simultaneously fitting data collected with detector over range energies....
We present the conceptual design and physics potential of DarkSPHERE, a proposed 3 m in diameter spherical proportional counter electroformed underground at Boulby Underground Laboratory. This effort builds on R&D performed experience acquired by NEWS-G Collaboration. DarkSPHERE is primarily designed to search for nuclear recoils from light dark matter 0.05--10 GeV mass range. Electroforming shell implementation shield based pure water ensures background level below 0.01 dru. These, combined...
Kaluza-Klein axions appear in theories with extra dimensions as higher mass, significantly shorter lifetime, excitations of the Peccei-Quinn axion. When produced Sun, they would remain gravitationally trapped solar system, and their decay to a pair photons could provide an explanation corona heating problem. A low-density detector discriminate such signal from background, by identifying separation interaction point two photons. The NEWS-G collaboration uses large volume spherical...
The effect of ionisation quenching for ions is critical experiments relying on the measurement low energy recoils, such as direct Dark Matter searches. We present factor estimates over a range energies protons, α-particles, and heavier in H2, CH4, N2, Ar, CO2, C3H8 gases, estimated from respective reference W-value measurements. resulting factors are compared with predictions SRIM.
A new anode support structure for the spherical proportional counter is presented that incorporates a resistive correction electrode made of glass. This improves electric field homogeneity versus angle while suppressing probability and intensity sparks compared to non-resistive alternatives. The configuration was optimised with simulations. Such structures have been constructed measurements demonstrated homogeneous response detector operational stability. measurement resistivity glass used...
Operational experience with the recently upgraded irradiation facility at University of Birmingham is presented. This based around high intensity area MC40 medical cyclotron providing proton energies between 3 and 38 MeV currents ranging from tens fA to A. Accurate dosimetry for displacement damage total ionizing dose, using a combination techniques, offered. Irradiations are carried out in temperature controlled chamber that can be scanned through beam, possibility devices biased, clocked,...
The amount of energy released by a nuclear recoil ionizing the atoms active volume detection appears "quenched" compared to an electron same kinetic energy. This different behavior in ionization between electrons and nuclei is described Ionization Quenching Factor (IQF) it plays crucial role direct dark matter searches. For low energies (below $50~\mathrm{keV}$), IQF measurements deviate significantly from common models used for theoretical predictions simulations. We report proton,...
Spherical time projection chambers (TPC), also known as spherical proportional counters, are employed in the search for rare phenomena, such light Dark Matter candidates. The TPC exhibits a number of essential features, making it promising candidate neutrinoless double beta decay (ββ0ν). A tonne-scale experiment could cover region parameter space relevant inverted mass hierarchy with few years data taking. In this direction, major R&D goal R2D2 effort is demonstration required energy...
The spherical proportional counter is a large volume gaseous detector which finds application in several fields, including direct Dark Matter searches. When the filled with nitrogen it becomes an effective neutron spectrometer thanks to 14N(n,α)11B and 14N(n,p)14C reactions. Nitrogen, however, challenging operating gas for counters requires high electric field strength pressure ratio. Benefiting from latest advances instrumentation simulation techniques, we report first measurements at...
Abstract The multi-anode sensor ACHINOS revolutionised the capabilities of spherical proportional counter by enabling large-size, high-pressure, operation and TPC-like reconstruction through individual anode read-out. First measurements with an individually read out are performed, which enables improved calibration response homogenisation. Experimental results demonstrating improvement in energy resolution brought presented. These complemented detailed simulation studies on effect design...
Deep learning-based object detection algorithms enable the simultaneous classification and localization of any number objects in image data. Many these are capable operating real-time on high resolution images, attributing to their widespread usage across many fields. We present an end-to-end pipeline designed for rare event searches Migdal effect, using high-resolution data from a state-of-the-art scientific CMOS camera MIGDAL experiment. The effect nuclear scattering, crucial sub-GeV dark...
The spherical proportional counter is a novel gaseous detector with numerous applications, including direct dark matter searches and neutron spectroscopy. strengths of the Geant4 Garfield++ toolkits are combined to create simulation framework for counters. interface implemented by introducing classes within application. Simulated muon, electron, photon signals presented, effects gas mixture composition anode support structure on response discussed.
Abstract The spherical proportional counter is a versatile gaseous detector with physics applications ranging from rare event searches to fast neutron spectroscopy. In its simplest form, the operates single channel read-out, and uses pulse-shape information reconstruct interaction radius, which used for background discrimination target volume definition. Recent developments in read-out instrumentation have enabled use of multi-anode structure, ACHINOS. multiple anodes provide about position...
The scheduled High Luminosity upgrade of the CERN Large Hadron Collider presents new challenges in terms radiation hardness. As a consequence, campaigns to qualify hardness detector sensors and components are undertaken worldwide. effects irradiation with beams different particle species energy, aiming assess displacement damage semiconductor devices, communicated equivalent 1 MeV neutron fluence, using factor for conversion. In this work, factors protons at three kinetic energies have been...
An experiment for the advanced undergraduate laboratory allowing students to directly observe effect of photon polarisation on Compton scattering is described.An initially unpolarised beam photons polarised via and analysed through a subsequent scattering.The designed use equipment typically available at an physics laboratory.The experimental results are compared with Geant4 simulation geometry effects discussed.
The spherical proportional counter is an innovative gaseous detector with numerous applications, including dark matter searches and neutron spectroscopy. We combine the simulation software toolkits Geant4 Garfield++ to create a complete framework of that benefits from strength each toolkit. interface realised via physics parameterisation sensitive features. simulated signal properties for muons, electrons photons are presented, as well effect gas mixture on response. results being validated...
Rare event searches require extreme radiopurity in all detector components. This includes the active medium, which case of gaseous detectors, is operating gas. The gases used typically include noble gas mixtures with molecular quenchers. Purification these required to achieve desired performance, however, purifiers are known emanate 222 Rn, a potential source background. Several studied for their O 2 and H purification efficiency Rn emanation rates, aiming identify lowest-Rn options....