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Performance of a liquid nitrogen cryostat setup for the study of nuclear recoils in undoped CsI crystals.

Authors :
Ding, K.
Liu, J.
Yang, Y.
Scholberg, K.
Markoff, D.M.
Source :
Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A. Jun2024, Vol. 1063, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

There is a global trend to increase the light yield of CsI scintillators used in neutrino and dark matter detection by operating undoped crystals at cryogenic temperatures. However, high light yield alone is not sufficient to guarantee a low-energy threshold. The response of undoped crystals to nuclear recoils at cryogenic temperatures is equally important. A liquid nitrogen-based cryostat was developed to measure the nuclear quenching factor of a small undoped CsI crystal using monoenergetic neutron beams at the Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL). To minimize neutron scattering, high-Z materials were reduced around the crystal. The structure and performance of the cryostat are described in detail. Using this cryostat, a system light yield of 33. 4 ± 2. 0 photoelectrons per keV electron-equivalent (PE/keV ee) was observed at 5.9 keV ee , enabling the measurement of nuclear quenching factors at very low energies. The results of the quenching factor measurement will be reported in a subsequent paper. Non-negligible negative overshoot was observed in the tails of the observed light pulses. The origin of this issue and the correction procedure are described in detail. This information may be useful for others who encounter similar technical challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01689002
Volume :
1063
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176647137
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.169283