1,045 research outputs found
Observed Coupling of the Mesosphere Inversion Layer to the Thermal Tidal Structure
Rayleigh lidar observations of mesosphere temperature profiles obtained from 40 to ∼100 km from Logan, Utah (41.7, 111.8 W, altitude, 1.9 km) over 10 nights in late February, 1995, revealed an interesting development between 60 to 75 km of a winter mesosphere inversion layer with an amplitude of ∼20–30 K and a downward phase progression of ∼1 km/hr. The data also showed two altitude regions exhibiting significant cooling of 10–30 K in extent. These were located below and above the peak of the inversion layer, respectively, at altitudes of ∼50–55 km and ∼70–80 km. When these results were compared with the predictions of a global wave scale model (GSWM), the observed thermal mesosphere structure is similar to the computed composite tidal structure based upon the semi‐diurnal and diurnal tides with the exception that observed amplitudes of heating and cooling are ∼10x larger than predicted GSWM values. We suggest that these events over Utah are caused through a localized mechanism involving the coupling of gravity waves to the mesopause tidal structure
Experimental constraints on a dark matter origin for the DAMA annual modulation effect
A claim for evidence of dark matter interactions in the DAMA experiment has
been recently reinforced. We employ a new type of germanium detector to
conclusively rule out a standard isothermal galactic halo of Weakly Interacting
Massive Particles (WIMPs) as the explanation for the annual modulation effect
leading to the claim. Bounds are similarly imposed on a suggestion that dark
pseudoscalars mightlead to the effect. We describe the sensitivity to light
dark matter particles achievable with our device, in particular to
Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Model candidates.Comment: v4: introduces recent results from arXiv:0807.3279 and
arXiv:0807.2926. Sensitivity to pseudoscalars is revised in light of the
first. Discussion on the subject adde
Results from a Search for Light-Mass Dark Matter with a P-type Point Contact Germanium Detector
We report on several features present in the energy spectrum from an ultra
low-noise germanium detector operated at 2,100 m.w.e. By implementing a new
technique able to reject surface events, a number of cosmogenic peaks can be
observed for the first time. We discuss several possible causes for an
irreducible excess of bulk-like events below 3 keVee, including a dark matter
candidate common to the DAMA/LIBRA annual modulation effect, the hint of a
signal in CDMS, and phenomenological predictions. Improved constraints are
placed on a cosmological origin for the DAMA/LIBRA effect.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. v2: submitted version. Minimal changes in
wording, one reference adde
Comment on "Evidence for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay"
We comment on the recent claim for the experimental observation of
neutrinoless double-beta decay. We discuss several limitations in the analysis
provided in that paper and conclude that there is no basis for the presented
claim.Comment: A comment written to Modern Physics Letters A. 4 pages, no figures.
Updated version, accepted for publicatio
Measurement of the Solar Neutrino Capture Rate by the Russian-American Gallium Solar Neutrino Experiment During One Half of the 22-Year Cycle of Solar Activity
We present the results of measurements of the solar neutrino capture rate in
gallium metal by the Russian-American Gallium Experiment SAGE during slightly
more than half of a 22-year cycle of solar activity. Combined analysis of the
data of 92 runs during the 12-year period January 1990 through December 2001
gives a capture rate of solar neutrinos with energy more than 233 keV of 70.8
+5.3/-5.2 (stat.) +3.7/-3.2 (syst.) SNU. This represents only slightly more
than half of the predicted standard solar model rate of 128 SNU. We give the
results of new runs beginning in April 1998 and the results of combined
analysis of all runs since 1990 during yearly, monthly, and bimonthly periods.
Using a simple analysis of the SAGE results combined with those from all other
solar neutrino experiments, we estimate the electron neutrino pp flux that
reaches the Earth to be (4.6 +/- 1.1) E10/(cm^2-s). Assuming that neutrinos
oscillate to active flavors the pp neutrino flux emitted in the solar fusion
reaction is approximately (7.7 +/- 1.8) E10/(cm^2-s), in agreement with the
standard solar model calculation of (5.95 +/- 0.06) E10/(cm^2-s).Comment: English translation of article submitted to Russian journal Zh. Eksp.
Teor. Fiz. (JETP); 12 pages, 5 figures. V2: Added winter-summer difference
and 2 reference
The BNO-LNGS joint measurement of the solar neutrino capture rate in 71Ga
We describe a cooperative measurement of the capture rate of solar neutrinos
by the reaction 71Ga(\nu_e,e^-)71Ge. Extractions were made from a portion of
the gallium target in the Russian-American Gallium Experiment SAGE and the
extraction samples were transported to the Gran Sasso laboratory for synthesis
and counting at the Gallium Neutrino Observatory GNO. Six extractions of this
type were made and the resultant solar neutrino capture rate was 64
^{+24}_{-22} SNU, which agrees well with the overall result of the gallium
experiments. The major purpose of this experiment was to make it possible for
SAGE to continue their regular schedule of monthly solar neutrino extractions
without interruption while a separate experiment was underway to measure the
response of 71Ga to neutrinos from an 37Ar source. As side benefits, this
experiment proved the feasibility of long-distance sample transport in ultralow
background radiochemical experiments and familiarized each group with the
methods and techniques of the other.Comment: 7 pages, no figures; minor additions in version
Contamination Control and Assay Results for the Majorana Demonstrator Ultra Clean Components
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.Comment: Proceedings of Low Radioactivity Techniques (LRT May 2017, Seoul
Low Background Signal Readout Electronics for the MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR
The MAJORANA DEMONSTRATOR is a planned 40 kg array of Germanium detectors
intended to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a tonne-scale
experiment that will seek neutrinoless double beta decay () in
. Such an experiment would require backgrounds of less than 1
count/tonne-year in the 4 keV region of interest around the 2039 keV Q-value of
the decay. Designing low-noise electronics, which must be placed
in close proximity to the detectors, presents a challenge to reaching this
background target. This paper will discuss the MAJORANA collaboration's
solutions to some of these challenges
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