A Segmented, Enriched N-type Germanium Detector for Neutrinoless Double Beta-Decay Experiments

TL;DR

This paper introduces a segmented, enriched germanium detector prototype designed for neutrinoless double beta-decay experiments, demonstrating promising resolution performance suitable for the { extsc{Majorana}} collaboration.

Contribution

The paper presents the first performance characterization of a segmented, enriched N-type germanium detector tailored for neutrinoless double beta-decay research.

Findings

Most segments achieve the resolution goal below 4 keV FWHM at 2039 keV

All channels have resolution below 4.5 keV FWHM

The detector shows promising characteristics for rare decay experiments

Abstract

We present data characterizing the performance of the first segmented, N-type Ge detector, isotopically enriched to 85% $^{76}$Ge. This detector, based on the Ortec PT6x2 design and referred to as SEGA (Segmented, Enriched Germanium Assembly), was developed as a possible prototype for neutrinoless double beta-decay measurements by the {\sc Majorana} collaboration. We present some of the general characteristics (including bias potential, efficiency, leakage current, and integral cross-talk) for this detector in its temporary cryostat. We also present an analysis of the resolution of the detector, and demonstrate that for all but two segments there is at least one channel that reaches the {\sc Majorana} resolution goal below 4 keV FWHM at 2039 keV, and all channels are below 4.5 keV FWHM.