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Contamination control and assay results for the Majorana Demonstrator ultra clean components...

by C. Christofferson, David C Radford, Robert L Varner Jr, Chang-hong Yu
Publication Type
Conference Paper
Book Title
LOW RADIOACTIVITY TECHNIQUES 2017 (LRT 2017) Proceedings of the 6th International Workshop on Low Radioactivity Techniques
Publication Date
Page Number
060005
Volume
1921
Publisher Location
District of Columbia, United States of America
Conference Name
6th International Workshop on Low Radioactivity Techniques (LRT)
Conference Location
Seoul, South Korea
Conference Sponsor
Ctr Underground Phys, Inst Basic Sci; Ewha Womans Univ, Dept Sci Educ, Coll Education
Conference Date
-

The Majorana Demonstrator is a neutrinoless double beta decay experiment utilizing enriched Ge-76 detectors in 2 separate modules inside of a common solid shield at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. The Demonstrator has utilized world leading assay sensitivities to develop clean materials and processes for producing ultra-pure copper and plastic components. This experiment is now operating, and initial data provide new insights into the success of cleaning and processing. Post production copper assays after the completion of Module 1 showed an increase in U and Th contamination in finished parts compared to starting bulk material. A revised cleaning method and additional round of surface contamination studies prior to Module 2 construction have provided evidence that more rigorous process control can reduce surface contamination. This article describes the assay results and discuss further studies to take advantage of assay capabilities for the purpose of maintaining ultra clean fabrication and process design.