Cosmogenic background simulations for neutrinoless double beta decay with the DARWIN observatory at various underground sites

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • DARWIN Collaboration - , International School for Advanced Studies, TUD Dresden University of Technology, University of Banja Luka (Author)
  • Chair of Nuclear Physics
  • University of Zurich
  • University of Münster
  • Sorbonne Université
  • University of Turin
  • University of Amsterdam
  • University of Belgrade
  • National Institute for Nuclear Physics
  • Columbia University
  • University of Alabama
  • University of Melbourne
  • Université de Nantes
  • University of Bologna
  • Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • University of Sydney
  • Weizmann Institute of Science
  • University of Freiburg
  • NYU Abu Dhabi
  • University of Coimbra
  • Heidelberg University 
  • Stockholm University
  • Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra
  • Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
  • Rice University
  • University of L'Aquila

Abstract

Xenon dual-phase time projections chambers (TPCs) have proven to be a successful technology in studying physical phenomena that require low-background conditions. With 40t of liquid xenon (LXe) in the TPC baseline design, DARWIN will have a high sensitivity for the detection of particle dark matter, neutrinoless double beta decay (0 ν β β), and axion-like particles (ALPs). Although cosmic muons are a source of background that cannot be entirely eliminated, they may be greatly diminished by placing the detector deep underground. In this study, we used Monte Carlo simulations to model the cosmogenic background expected for the DARWIN observatory at four underground laboratories: Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS), Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), Laboratoire Souterrain de Modane (LSM) and SNOLAB. We present here the results of simulations performed to determine the production rate of 137 Xe, the most crucial isotope in the search for 0 ν β β of 136 Xe. Additionally, we explore the contribution that other muon-induced spallation products, such as other unstable xenon isotopes and tritium, may have on the cosmogenic background.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number88
JournalEuropean Physical Journal C
Volume84
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas