Status Update of the {\sc Majorana Demonstrator} Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay Experiment

ORAL

Abstract

The \textsc{Majorana} collaboration has made significant progress over the past year on the \textsc{Majorana} \textsc{Demonstrator}. The goal of the \textsc{Demonstrator} is to demonstrate backgrounds low enough to justify building a tonne-scale experiment, establish the feasibility to construct and field modular arrays of Ge detectors, and perform searches for additional physics beyond the standard model. The \textsc{Demonstrator} is currently being built at the 4850 ft level of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, SD. The first of three custom cryostats, the prototype module, is currently taking data, while assembly and commissioning of the second cryostat, module 1, is ongoing. Hardware fabrication for the third cryostat, module 2, is nearing completion. Combined, module 1 and module 2 will contain 40 kg of Ge detectors with 30 kg enriched to 87$\%$ $^{76}$Ge, the double-beta decaying isotope. An active simulation and analysis campaign is underway for the prototype and module 1 cryostats. This talk will provide an overview and status update on the \textsc{Demonstrator}.

Authors

  • Kristopher Vorren

    Univ of NC - Chapel Hill