Mu$\chi$e -- A Search for Familons in Muon Decay Using HPGe Detectors

TL;DR

This paper proposes an experiment to search for muon decay into a Familon within a specific mass range, using HPGe detectors to identify mono-energetic positron peaks, aiming to improve limits on such decay modes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel search method for muon-to-Familon decay in a previously unexplored mass window using high-energy muons and HPGe detectors, enhancing sensitivity over existing limits.

Findings

Matched previous limits in 2 hours at 200 cps muon rate

Projected muon branching ratio limits between 10^{-6} and 10^{-7} after 1 year

Utilizes Fermilab's high-energy muons to suppress background noise

Abstract

A broken lepton family symmetry can lead to muon decay to a Familon \[\mu \to {\chi _{Familon}} + e .\] We propose to search for two body muon decay to a Familon in the mass range from 86 to 105 MeV/c$^2$, by observing stopped positive muons. This mass region is the search window blind spot of magnetic spectrometers. The search signal will be a mono-energetic positron peak on top of the standard model muon Michel decay spectrum. The decay positron spectrum will be measured in HPGe detectors surrounded by large volume NaI detectors and a charged particle tracking system used to help reduce false triggers. This short-term experiment requires a stopped positive muon rate of 200 cps with a trigger to stopped muon ratio of 10:1 or better. At this rate, in a period of 2-hours previous limits will be matched. With 1-year of data collection muon branching ratio limits will range between 10$^{-6}$ to 10$^{-7}$. This experiment takes advantage of Fermilab's higher energy muons to greatly suppress backgrounds for Familon masses near the muon mass compared to lower energy muon factories.