Publications (67)
IAXO - The International Axion Observatory
J. K. Vogel, F. T. Avignone, G. Cantatore +61
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) is a next generation axion helioscope aiming at a sensitivity to the axion-photon coupling of a few 10^{-12} GeV^{-1}, i.e. 1-1.5 orders…
Using Micromegas detectors for direct dark matter searches: challenges and perspectives
K. Altenmueller, . Antolin, D. Calvet +27
Gas time projection chambers (TPCs) with Micromegas pixelated readouts are being used in dark matter searches and other rare event searches, due to their potential in terms of low…
X-ray detection with Micromegas with background levels below 10 keVcms
S. Aune, F. Aznar, D. Calvet +26
Micromegas detectors are an optimum technological choice for the detection of low energy x-rays. The low background techniques applied to these detectors yielded remarkable backgro…
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO): case, status and plans. Input to the European Strategy for Particle Physics
A. Arcusa, S. Ahyoune, K. Altenmuller +120
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) is a next-generation axion helioscope designed to search for solar axions with unprecedented sensitivity. IAXO holds a unique position in…
Characterization of large diameter ultra-thin vacuum windows for soft X-ray applications
K. Desch, E. Ferrer-Ribas, F. J. Iguaz +3
We present novel, ultra-thin, large-diameter silicon nitride windows for various soft X-ray applications. Together with the company NORCADA, we developed windows with 200 nm and 30…
Conceptual Design of BabyIAXO, the intermediate stage towards the International Axion Observatory
A. Abeln, K. Altenmüller, S. Arguedas Cuendis +123
This article describes BabyIAXO, an intermediate experimental stage of the International Axion Observatory (IAXO), proposed to be sited at DESY. IAXO is a large-scale axion heliosc…
Performances of Anode-resistive Micromegas for HL-LHC
J. Manjarres, T. Alexopoulos, D. Attie +14
Micromegas technology is a promising candidate to replace Atlas forward muon chambers -tracking and trigger- for future HL-LHC upgrade of the experiment. The increase on background…
New developments in Micromegas Microbulk detectors
F. J. Iguaz, S. Andriamonje, F. Belloni +15
A new Micromegas manufacturing technique, based on kapton etching technology, has been recently developed, improving the uniformity and stability of this kind of readouts. Excellen…
The NEXT-100 experiment for neutrinoless double beta decay searches (Conceptual Design Report)
NEXT Collaboration, V. Ãlvarez, M. Ball +80
We propose an EASY (Electroluminescent ApparatuS of high Yield) and SOFT (Separated Optimized FuncTion) time-projection chamber for the NEXT experiment, that will search for neutri…
Characterization of microbulk detectors in argon- and neon-based mixtures
F. J. Iguaz, E. Ferrer-Ribas, A. Giganon +1
A recent Micromegas manufacturing technique, so called Microbulk, has been developed, improving the uniformity and stability of this kind of detectors. Excellent energy resolutions…
NEXT, a HPGXe TPC for neutrinoless double beta decay searches
The NEXT Collaboration, F. Granena, T. Lux +61
We propose a novel detection concept for neutrinoless double-beta decay searches. This concept is based on a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) filled with high-pressure gaseous xenon,…
Background discrimination with a Micromegas detector prototype and veto system for BabyIAXO
K. Altenmüller, J. F. Castel, S. Cebrián +22
In this paper we present measurements performed with a Micromegas X-ray detector setup. The detector is a prototype in the context of the BabyIAXO helioscope, which is under constr…
Low X-ray bakground measurements at the Underground Canfranc Laboratory
J. Galan, S. Aune, T. Dafni +19
Micromegas detectors, thanks to the good spatial and temporal discrimination capabilities, are good candidates for rare event search experiments. Recent X-ray background levels ach…
Solar axion search with the CAST experiment
CAST Collaboration, E. Arik, S. Aune +74
The CAST (CERN Axion Solar Telescope) experiment is searching for solar axions by their conversion into photons inside the magnet pipe of an LHC dipole. The analysis of the data re…
The discrimination capabilities of Micromegas detectors at low energy
F. J. Iguaz, T. Dafni, E. Ferrer-Ribas +11
The latest generation of Micromegas detectors show a good energy resolution, spatial resolution and low threshold, which make them idoneous in low energy applications. Two micromeg…
Results and perspectives of the solar axion search with the CAST experiment
E. Ferrer-Ribas, M. Arik, S. Aune +69
The status of the solar axion search with the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) will be presented. Recent results obtained by the use of He as a buffer gas has allowed us to ex…
Spatial resolution studies with the BabyIAXO Micromegas prototype
A. Quintana, J. Castel, S. Cebrián +20
The spatial resolution of the Micromegas prototype developed for the BabyIAXO experiment was evaluated using a low-energy X-ray beam at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility. BabyIAXO, c…
Search for low Energy solar Axions with CAST
Giovanni Cantatore, E. Arik, S. Aune +77
We have started the development of a detector system, sensitive to single photons in the eV energy range, to be suitably coupled to one of the CAST magnet ports. This system should…
Search for solar axions produced through the axion-electron coupling using a new GridPix detector at CAST
K. Altenmüller, V. Anastassopoulos, S. Arguedas-Cuendis +61
We present a search for solar axions produced through the axion-electron coupling using data from a novel 7-GridPix detector installed at the CERN Axion Solar Telescope…
Search for chameleons with CAST
V. Anastassopoulos, M. Arik, S. Aune +61
In this work we present a search for (solar) chameleons with the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST). This novel experimental technique, in the field of dark energy research, exploit…
Micromegas readouts for double beta decay searches
S. Cebrián, T. Dafni, E. Ferrer-Ribas +11
Double beta decay experiments are one of the most active research topics in Neutrino Physics. The measurement of the neutrinoless mode could give unique informatio…
A new upper limit on the axion-photon coupling with an extended CAST run with a Xe-based Micromegas detector
CAST Collaboration, K. Altenmüller, V. Anastassopoulos +62
Hypothetical axions provide a compelling explanation for dark matter and could be emitted from the hot solar interior. The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has been searching for…
CAST solar axion search with 3^He buffer gas: Closing the hot dark matter gap
M. Arik, S. Aune, K. Barth +72
The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has finished its search for solar axions with 3^He buffer gas, covering the search range 0.64 eV < m_a <1.17 eV. This closes the gap to the co…
An accurate solar axions ray-tracing response of BabyIAXO
S. Ahyoune, K. Altenmueller, I. Antolin +124
BabyIAXO is the intermediate stage of the International Axion Observatory (IAXO) to be hosted at DESY. Its primary goal is the detection of solar axions following the axion heliosc…
A Micromegas-based low-background x-ray detector coupled to a slumped-glass telescope for axion research
F. Aznar, J. Castel, F. E. Christensen +18
We report on the design, construction and operation of a low background x-ray detection line composed of a shielded Micromegas (micromesh gaseous structure) detector of the microbu…
Improved Search for Solar Chameleons with a GridPix Detector at CAST
V. Anastassopoulos, S. Aune, K. Barth +66
We report on a new search for solar chameleons with the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST). A GridPix detector was used to search for soft X-ray photons in the energy range from 200…
Physics potential of the International Axion Observatory (IAXO)
E. Armengaud, D. Attie, S. Basso +88
We review the physics potential of a next generation search for solar axions: the International Axion Observatory (IAXO). Endowed with a sensitivity to discover axion-like particle…
Accurate gamma and MeV-electron track reconstruction with an ultra-low diffusion Xenon/TMA TPC at 10 atmospheres
Diego Gonzalez-Diaz, V. Alvarez, F. I. G. Borges +80
We report the performance of a 10 atm Xenon/trimethylamine time projection chamber (TPC) for the detection of X-rays (30 keV) and gamma-rays (0.511-1.275 MeV) in conjunction with t…
Spatial resolution studies using point spread function extraction in optically read out Micromegas and GEM detectors
A. Cools, E. Ferrer-Ribas, T. Papaevangelou +5
Optically read out gaseous detectors are used in track reconstruction and imaging applications requiring high granularity images. Among resolution-determining factors, the amplific…
Description and commissioning of NEXT-MM prototype: first results from operation in a Xenon-Trimethylamine gas mixture
NEXT Collaboration, V. Ãlvarez, F. Aznar +82
A technical description of NEXT-MM and its commissioning and first performance is reported. Having an active volume of ~35 cm drift 28 cm diameter, it constitutes the larg…
NOSTOS: a spherical TPC to detect low energy neutrinos
S. Aune, P. Colas, J. Dolbeau +14
A novel low-energy (few keV) neutrino-oscillation experiment NOSTOS, combining a strong tritium source and a high pressure spherical Time Projection Chamber (TPC) detector 10…
Exploring 0.1-10eV axions with a new helioscope concept
J. Galán, T. Dafni, E. Ferrer-Ribas +9
We explore the possibility to develop a new axion helioscope type, sensitive to the higher axion mass region favored by axion models. We propose to use a low background large volum…
Optical readout of MPGDs with solid wavelength shifters
F. M. Brunbauer, A. Cools, M. Cortesi +20
Optical readout of MicroPattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) makes use of the high granularity of imaging sensors to achieve good spatial resolution for radiation imaging and particle…
Micromegas-TPC operation at high pressure in xenon-trimethylamine mixtures
S. Cebrián, T. Dafni, E. Ferrer-Ribas +10
In this work we present a systematic study of Micromegas detectors in high pressure gaseous Xenon using trimethylamine (TMA) as quencher gas. Gas gains and energy resolutions for 2…
First detection of tracks of radon progeny recoils by MIMAC
Q. Riffard, D. Santos, G. Bosson +13
The MIMAC experiment is a -TPC matrix project for directional dark matter search. Directional detection is a strategy based on the measurement of the WIMP flux anisotropy due t…
SiPMs coated with TPB : coating protocol and characterization for NEXT
V. Ãlvarez, J. Agramunt, M. Ball +91
Silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) are the photon detectors chosen for the tracking readout in NEXT, a neutrinoless ββ decay experiment which uses a high pressure gaseous xenon time…
An ageing study of resistive micromegas for the HL-LHC environment
J. Galán, D. Attié, E. Ferrer-Ribas +15
Resistive-anode micromegas detectors are in development since several years, in an effort to solve the problem of sparks when working at high flux and high ionizing radiation like…
Energy resolution of alpha particles in a microbulk Micromegas detector at high pressure Argon and Xenon mixtures
T. Dafni, E. Ferrer-Ribas, I. Giomataris +5
The latest Micromesh Gas Amplification Structures (Micromegas) are achieving outstanding energy resolution for low energy photons, with values as low as 11% FWHM for the 5.9 keV li…
Medica-Plus: a Micromegas-based proof-of-concept detector for sub-becquerel tritium activity assessment at the service of oncological research
F. Jambon, S. Aune, P. Baron +17
To fulfill needs in oncological research a new Micromegas detector has been developed to follow radiolabelled drugs in living organisms at the single cell level. This article descr…
New CAST Limit on the Axion-Photon Interaction
CAST collaboration, V. Anastassopoulos, S. Aune +64
During 2003--2015, the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has searched for conversion in the 9 T magnetic field of a refurbished LHC test magnet that can be directed toward…
Low Background Micromegas in CAST
J. G. Garza, S. Aune, D. Calvet +22
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 detecto…
New solar axion search in CAST with He filling
M. Arik, S. Aune, K. Barth +60
The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) searches for conversion in the 9 T magnetic field of a refurbished LHC test magnet that can be directed toward the Sun. Two parallel…
Status of R&D on Micromegas for Rare Event Searches: The T-REX project
I. G. Irastorza, J. Castel, S. Cebrián +24
The T-REX project aims at developing novel readout techniques for Time Projection Chambers in experiments searching for rare events. The enhanced performance of the latest Micromeg…
Probing eV-scale axions with CAST
CAST Collaboration, E. Arik, S. Aune +70
We have searched for solar axions or other pseudoscalar particles that couple to two photons by using the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) setup. Whereas we previously have report…
Conceptual Design of the International Axion Observatory (IAXO)
E. Armengaud, F. T. Avignone, M. Betz +85
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) will be a forth generation axion helioscope. As its primary physics goal, IAXO will look for axions or axion-like particles (ALPs) origin…
Design and characterization of the SiPM tracking system of NEXT-DEMO, a demonstrator prototype of the NEXT-100 experiment
NEXT Collaboration, V. Ãlvarez, M. Ball +86
NEXT-100 experiment aims at searching the neutrinoless double-beta decay of the Xe-136 isotope using a TPC filled with a 100 kg of high-pressure gaseous xenon, with 90% isotopic en…
Low background x-ray detection with Micromegas for axion research
S. Aune, J. F. Castel, T. Dafni +23
Axion helioscopes aim at the detection of solar axions through their conversion into x-rays in laboratory magnetic fields. The use of low background x-ray detectors is an essential…
Ultra low background Micromegas detectors for BabyIAXO solar axion search
E. Ferrer-Ribas, K. Altenmüller, B. Biasuzzi +27
The International AXion Observatory (IAXO) is a large scale axion helioscope that will look for axions and axion-like particles produced in the Sun with unprecedented sensitivity.…
Performances and ageing study of resistive-anodes Micromegas detectors for HL-LHC environment
F. Jeanneau, T. Alexopoulos, D. Attié +15
With the tenfold luminosity increase envisaged at the HL-LHC, the background (photons, neutrons, ...) and the event pile-up probability are expected to increase in proportion in th…
Micromegas detector developments for Dark Matter directional detection with MIMAC
F. J. Iguaz, D. Attié, D. Calvet +19
The aim of the MIMAC project is to detect non-baryonic Dark Matter with a directional TPC using a high precision Micromegas readout plane. We will describe in detail the recent dev…
Characterization and simulation of resistive-MPGDs with resistive strip and layer topologies
J. Galan, D. Attie, A. Chaus +8
The use of resistive technologies to MPGD detectors is taking advantage for many new applications, including high rate and energetic particle flux scenarios. The recent use of thes…
NEXT-100 Technical Design Report (TDR). Executive Summary
NEXT Collaboration, V. Ãlvarez, F. I. G. M. Borges +84
In this Technical Design Report (TDR) we describe the NEXT-100 detector that will search for neutrinoless double beta decay (bbonu) in Xe-136 at the Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canf…
Search for 14.4 keV solar axions emitted in the M1-transition of 57Fe nuclei with CAST
CAST Collaboration, S. Andriamonje, S. Aune +58
We have searched for 14.4 keV solar axions or more general axion-like particles (ALPs), that may be emitted in the M1 nuclear transition of 57Fe, by using the axion-to-photon conve…
Performance Optimization and Characterization of 7-pad Resistive PICOSEC Micromegas Detectors
A. Kallitsopoulou, R. Aleksan, S. Aune +49
We present a comprehensive characterization of resistive PICOSEC Micromegas detector prototypes, tested under identical conditions, constant drift gap, field configurations, and ph…
Characterization of a medium size Xe/TMA TPC instrumented with microbulk Micromegas, using low-energy -rays
The NEXT collaboration, V. Alvarez, F. I. G. M. Borges +87
NEXT-MM is a general-purpose high pressure (10 bar, l active volume) Xenon-based TPC, read out in charge mode with an 8 cm 8 cm-segmented 700 cm plane (1152 ch…
X-ray imaging with Micromegas detectors with optical readout
A. Cools, S. Aune, F. Beau +12
In the last years, optical readout of Micromegas gaseous detectors has been achieved by implementing a Micromegas detector on a glass anode coupled to a CMOS camera. Effective X-ra…
CAST search for sub-eV mass solar axions with 3He buffer gas
M. Arik, S. Aune, K. Barth +68
The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has extended its search for solar axions by using 3He as a buffer gas. At T=1.8 K this allows for larger pressure settings and hence sensitivi…
Ageing studies of resistive Micromegas detectors for the HL-LHC
J. Galan, D. Attie, E. Ferrer-Ribas +15
Resistive-anode Micromegas detectors are in development since several years, in an effort to solve the problem of sparks when working in high flux and high radiations environment l…
Readout technologies for directional WIMP Dark Matter detection
J. B. R. Battat, I. G. Irastorza, A. Aleksandrov +90
The measurement of the direction of WIMP-induced nuclear recoils is a compelling but technologically challenging strategy to provide an unambiguous signature of the detection of Ga…
Micromegas detector developments for MIMAC
E. Ferrer-Ribas, D. Attié, D. Calvet +19
The aim of the MIMAC project is to detect non-baryonic Dark Matter with a directional TPC. The recent Micromegas efforts towards building a large size detector will be described, i…
Radiopurity of Micromegas readout planes
S. Cebrián, T. Dafni, E. Ferrer-Ribas +11
Micromesh Gas Amplification Structures (Micromegas) are being used in an increasing number of Particle Physics applications since their conception fourteen years ago. More recently…
Micromegas for dark matter searches: CAST/IAXO & TREX-DM
J. G. Garza, S. Aune, J. F. Castel +14
The most compelling candidates for Dark Matter to day are WIMPs and axions. The applicability of gasesous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with Micromesh Gas Structures (Micromegas)…
Lowering the background level and the energy threshold of Micromegas x-ray detectors for axion searches
F. J. Iguaz, S. Aune, F. Aznar +14
Axion helioscopes search for solar axions by their conversion in x-rays in the presence of high magnetic fields. The use of low background x-ray detectors is an essential component…
CAST microbulk micromegas in the Canfranc Underground Laboratory
A. Tomás, S. Aune, T. Dafni +19
During the last taking data campaigns of the CAST experiment, the micromegas detectors have achieved background levels of keVcms betw…
Towards a new generation axion helioscope
I. G. Irastorza, F. T. Avignone, S. Caspi +33
We study the feasibility of a new generation axion helioscope, the most ambitious and promising detector of solar axions to date. We show that large improvements in magnetic field…
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO)
I. G. Irastorza, F. T. Avignone, G. Cantatore +36
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) is a new generation axion helioscope aiming at a sensitivity to the axion-photon coupling of a few 10 GeV, i.e. 1 - 1.5 ord…
Micromegas-TPC operation at high pressure in Xenon-trimethylamine mixtures
D. C. Herrera, S. Cebrián, T. Dafni +10
We present in this work measurements performed with a small Micromegas-TPC using a xenon-trimethylamine (Xe-TMA) Penning-mixture as filling gas. Measurements of gas gain and energy…