Modeling backgrounds to the {\sc{Majorana}} neutrinoless double-beta decay experiment

The {\sc{Majorana}} Collaboration\footnote{F.T. Avignone III (2007) arXiv:0711.4808v1} proposes a search for neutrinoless double-beta decay ($0\nu\beta\beta$) of $^{76}$Ge in an array of germanium detectors. The observation of $0\nu\beta\beta$ could determine the mass scale of the neutrino and determine whether the neutrino is a Majorana particle. {\sc{Majorana}} plans to begin searching for $0\nu\beta\beta$ with the {\sc{Demonstrator}}, a 60-kg detector array. To achieve high sensitivity, {\sc{Majorana}} requires an extremely low background rate. Radioactive decays and cosmogenically-induced radiation create backgrounds to the potential $0\nu\beta\beta$ signal. {\sc{Majorana}} will minimize backgrounds by operating deep underground, using high-purity materials, and installing passive and active shielding. Pulse-shape analysis, detector-to-detector coincidences, and timing correlation will separate many remaining backgrounds from potential $0\nu\beta\beta$ events. Understanding and minimization of backgrounds to the $0\nu\beta\beta$ signal are critical to the sensitivity of the experiment. A {\sc{Majorana}} background model will describe the expected background energy spectrum using simulation results validated with experimental data. This talk will describe the current status of the {\sc{Majorana}} background model.