Characterization and Performance of Germanium Detectors with sub-keV Sensitivities for Neutrino and Dark Matter Experiments

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development and characterization of germanium detectors with sub-keV sensitivities, enabling advanced neutrino and dark matter research by addressing key experimental challenges.

Contribution

It presents new insights into detector calibration, signal processing, and efficiency evaluation for ultra-sensitive germanium detectors in particle physics experiments.

Findings

Detectors achieve sensitivities down to 100 eVee.

Effective methods for energy calibration and signal discrimination are developed.

Enhanced understanding of detector performance for neutrino and dark matter detection.

Abstract

Germanium ionization detectors with sensitivities as low as 100 eVee (electron-equivalent energy) open new windows for studies on neutrino and dark matter physics. The relevant physics subjects are summarized. The detectors have to measure physics signals whose amplitude is comparable to that of pedestal electronic noise. To fully exploit this new detector technique, various experimental issues including quenching factors, energy reconstruction and calibration, signal triggering and selection as well as evaluation of their associated efficiencies have to be attended. The efforts and results of a research program to address these challenges are presented.