On the Feasibility of Low-Background Ge-NaI Spectrometer for Neutrino Magnetic Moment Measurement

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of a low-background Ge-NaI spectrometer in reactor experiments to measure the neutrino magnetic moment with high sensitivity, analyzing background sources and preliminary measurements.

Contribution

It assesses the feasibility and design considerations for using low-background Ge-NaI spectrometers in neutrino magnetic moment experiments at small depths.

Findings

Preliminary background measurements at 5 m.w.e. show promising results.

Background estimates inform spectrometer design requirements.

Potential to reach sensitivity of 3 x 10^{-11} of the electron magneton.

Abstract

We analyze the possibility of using a low-background Ge-NaI spectrometer in a reactor experiment for a search for neutrino magnetic moment down to $3 \times 10^{-11}$ of the electron magneton. The properties of the so-far existing Ge low-background spectrometers are discussed and additional sources of background in a reactor experiment at a small depth are estimated. These estimates place specific requirements on the design of the spectrometer. The results of preliminary background measurements at a small depth of 5 m.w.e. with a dedicated spectrometer built in ITEP are reported.