Speaker
Description
The nature of dark matter is among the most challenging question of modern physics. Axions are
invoked to solve the strong CP problem and are dark matter candidates. Built upon CAST, IAXO is
the new generation helioscope, designed to discover solar axions by measuring x-rays induced by
axion-photon conversion. BabyIAXO targets to build its first prototype in the next years. One of the
challenges is the requirement for the detector to reach an extremely low background level
(10 -7 cts/keV/cm 2 /s) below 10 keV x-ray.
The TRISTAN project aims at developing a new detector and read-out system using Silicon Drift Detector
for upgrading the KATRIN experiment and search for keV sterile neutrino. We propose to use this unique
technology as an x-ray detector for the IAXO experiment. A first prototype detector revealed excellent
spectroscopic quality, matching each IAXO requirements however the required background level remains
to be demonstrated.
In the context of the ORIGINS Seed funding project, we are now building a full dedicated test-bench to
assess TRISTAN detector intrinsic background level. This includes simulation of the expected external
background, design of the shields, measuring detector board natural radioactivity and investment in
front-end electronics. A first measurement in the Technical University shallow underground laboratory
is expected early next year.
| Abstract type | Seed Poster |
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