NEXT, a HPGXe TPC for neutrinoless double beta decay searches

Abstract

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, and with separated-function capabilities for calorimetry and tracking. Thanks to its excellent energy resolution, together with its powerful background rejection provided by the distinct double-beta decay topological signature, the design discussed in this Letter Of Intent promises to be competitive and possibly out-perform existing proposals for next-generation neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments. We discuss the detection principles, design specifications, physics potential and R&D plans to construct a detector with 100 kg fiducial mass in the double-beta decay emitting isotope Xe(136), to be installed in the Canfranc Underground Laboratory.

Letter of Intent to the LSC Scientific Committee 115 pages

References in corpus (11)

• Double Beta Decay, Majorana Neutrinos, and Neutrino Mass
• Phenomenology with Massive Neutrinos
• Double Beta Decay
• CUORE: A Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events
• The event generator DECAY4 for simulation of double beta processes and decay of radioactive nuclei
• Technical design and performance of the NEMO3 detector
• Correlated Fluctuations between Luminescence and Ionization in Liquid Xenon
• The SNO+ Experiment
• New Measurement of the Relative Scintillation Efficiency of Xenon Nuclear Recoils Below 10 keV
• Theory and Phenomenology of Neutrino Mixing
• Direct Detection of Cold Dark Matter

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• The NEXT-100 experiment for neutrinoless double beta decay searches (Conceptual Design Report)
• Accurate gamma and MeV-electron track reconstruction with an ultra-low diffusion Xenon/TMA TPC at 10 atmospheres
• Radiative neutrino mass generation linked to neutrino mixing and $0\nu \beta \beta$-decay predictions
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• Energy Resolution studies for NEXT
• A Monte Carlo study of the fluctuations in Xe electroluminescence yield: pure Xe vs Xe doped with CH4 or CF4 and planar vs cylindrical geometries
• On Minimal realization of Topological Lorentz Structures with one-loop Seesaw extensions in A${}_4$ Modular Symmetry
• Highly predictive and testable $A_4$ flavor model within type-I and II seesaw framework and associated phenomenology
• Study of the loss of Xenon Scintillation in Xenon-Trimethylamine Mixtures
• The NEXT experiment: A high pressure xenon gas TPC for neutrinoless double beta decay searches
• Scotogenesis in Hybrid Textures of Neutrino Mass Matrix and Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay
• Neutrino masses along with fermion mass hierarchy
• Development and Characterization of a Multi-APD Xenon Electroluminescence TPC
• Leptogenesis in an extended seesaw model with $U(1{)}_{B-L}$ symmetry
• New developments in Micromegas Microbulk detectors
• Underground physics without underground labs: large detectors in solution-mined salt caverns
• A Noble Gas Detector with Electroluminescence Readout based on an Array of APDs
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