# Production and characterization of a PbMoO$_4$ cryogenic detector from archaeological Pb

## TL;DR

This paper reports on the development of a high-quality PbMoO$_4$ cryogenic detector made from archaeological lead, demonstrating excellent energy resolution, particle identification, and potential for neutrino physics applications.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel method for producing a high-purity PbMoO$_4$ detector from archaeological lead with enhanced low-temperature performance.

## Key findings

- High light yield of 12 keV/MeV for $eta/\gamma$ interactions
- Energy resolution of 11.7 keV at 2.6 MeV
- Effective pulse shape discrimination for particle identification

## Abstract

We operated a PbMoO$_4$ scintillating cryogenic detector of 570 g, produced with archaeological lead. This compound features excellent low temperature characteristics in terms of light yield, 12 keV/MeV for $\beta/\gamma$ interactions, and FWHM energy resolution, 11.7 keV at 2.6 MeV. Furthermore, the detector allows for an effective particle identification by means of pulse shape analysis on the heat read-out channel. The implementation of innovative techniques and procedures for the purification of raw materials used for the crystal growth, and the highly-pure archaeological Pb, allowed the production of large volume high quality crystal. The overall characteristics of the detector operated at cryogenic temperatures makes PbMoO$_4$ an excellent compound for neutrino physics applications, especially neutrinoless double-beta studies.