Abstract
The Majorana Demonstrator is a neutrinoless double beta decay experiment utilizing enriched Ge-76 detectors in 2 separate modules inside of a common solid shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. The Demonstrator has utilized world leading assay sensitivities to develop clean materials and processes for producing ultra-pure copper and plastic components. This experiment is now operating, and initial data provide new insights into the success of cleaning and processing. Post production copper assays after the completion of Module 1 showed an increase in U and Th contamination in finished parts compared to starting bulk material. A revised cleaning method and additional round of surface contamination studies prior to Module 2 construction have provided evidence that more rigorous process control can reduce surface contamination. This article describes the assay results and discuss further studies to take advantage of assay capabilities for the purpose of maintaining ultra clean fabrication and process design.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Low Radioactivity Techniques 2017, LRT 2017 |
Subtitle of host publication | Proceedings of the 6th International Workshop on Low Radioactivity Techniques |
Editors | Douglas S. Leonard |
Publisher | American Institute of Physics Inc. |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780735416130 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 3 2018 |
Event | 6th International Workshop on Low Radioactivity Techniques, LRT 2017 - Seoul, Korea, Republic of Duration: May 23 2017 → May 27 2017 |
Publication series
Name | AIP Conference Proceedings |
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Volume | 1921 |
ISSN (Print) | 0094-243X |
ISSN (Electronic) | 1551-7616 |
Conference
Conference | 6th International Workshop on Low Radioactivity Techniques, LRT 2017 |
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Country/Territory | Korea, Republic of |
City | Seoul |
Period | 05/23/17 → 05/27/17 |
Funding
This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, the Particle Astrophysics and Nuclear Physics Programs of the National Science Foundation, and the Sanford Underground Research Facility.