Status of the AlCap experiment

TL;DR

The AlCap experiment measures nuclear capture products on aluminium to optimize muon-to-electron conversion experiments like COMET and Mu2e, providing essential data for detector design and simulation accuracy.

Contribution

It offers the first precision measurements of muon capture products on aluminium, aiding the design and simulation of upcoming lepton-flavour violation experiments.

Findings

Data collected in December 2013 is under analysis.

Results will improve detector hit rate estimates.

Findings will refine simulation models for muon capture.

Abstract

The AlCap experiment is a joint project between the COMET and Mu2e collaborations. Both experiments intend to look for the lepton-flavour violating conversion $\mu + A \rightarrow e + A$, using tertiary muons from high-power pulsed proton beams. In these experiments the products of ordinary muon capture in the muon stopping target are an important concern, both in terms of hit rates in tracking detectors and radiation damage to equipment. The goal of the AlCap experiment is to provide precision measurements of the products of nuclear capture on Aluminium, which is the favoured target material for both COMET and Mu2e. The results will be used for optimising the design of both conversion experiments, and as input to their simulations. Data was taken in December 2013 and is currently being analysed.