Design of high-strength, radiopure copper-chromium alloys for rare-event searches assisted by computational thermodynamics

TL;DR

This paper presents a computational thermodynamics approach to designing high-strength, radiopure copper-chromium alloys for rare-event detection, aiming to improve material properties for low-background physics experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a materials-design methodology using thermodynamic modeling to optimize copper-chromium alloy fabrication and thermal processing for rare-event search applications.

Findings

Validated thermodynamic models with experimental data

Proposed improved thermal processing protocols

Enhanced alloy strength and radiopurity predictions

Abstract

Direct Dark Matter detection and studies on the nature of neutrinos demand detector systems with extremely low background levels, including from radioactivity. Additive-free, electroformed copper, in addition to a set of advantages, exhibits exceptional radiopurity, making it the material of choice for rare-event searches. To satisfy the increasing demand for materials with superior mechanical strength, the development of copper-chromium alloys is pursued. Early investigations explored the synthesis of these alloys by electrodeposition and thermal processing. A materials-design approach is proposed to optimize the fabrication and thermal processing stages of manufacturing. It is assisted by materials modeling tools based on the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of alloy compositions, which enables faster development of novel materials by predicting properties and materials performance. This approach is demonstrated by comparing simulations with previously reported experimental investigations and proposing improved thermal processing.