The Majorana Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay Experiment

TL;DR

The paper discusses the design and goals of the Majorana experiment, which aims to detect neutrinoless double-beta decay in Ge-76 using advanced germanium detectors to explore fundamental neutrino properties.

Contribution

It introduces a novel detector array and background reduction techniques for a future large-scale neutrinoless double-beta decay search in germanium.

Findings

Prototype 60 kg Ge detector module demonstrated feasibility.

Design considerations for a 1-tonne experiment outlined.

Background control strategies discussed.

Abstract

Neutrinoless double-beta decay searches play a major role in determining the nature of neutrinos, the existence of a lepton violating process, and the effective Majorana neutrino mass. The Majorana Collaboration proposes to assemble an array of HPGe detectors to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in Ge-76. Our proposed method uses the well-established technique of searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay in high purity Ge-diode radiation detectors that play both roles of source and detector. The technique is augmented with recent improvements in signal processing and detector design, and advances in controlling intrinsic and external backgrounds. Initially, Majorana aims to construct a prototype module containing 60 kg of Ge detectors to demonstrate the potential of a future 1-tonne experiment. The design and potential reach of this prototype Demonstrator module will be presented. This paper will also discuss detector optimization and low-background requirements, such as material purity, background rejection, and identification of rare backgrounds required to reach the sensitivity goals of the Majorana experiment.