Prospects for an experiment to measure BR(KL→π0ννˉK_L\to\pi^0\nu\bar{\nu}) at the CERN SPS

Precise measurements of the branching ratios for the $K\to\pi\nu\bar{\nu}$ decays can provide unique constraints on CKM unitarity and, potentially, evidence for new physics. It is important to measure both decay modes, $K^+\to\pi^+\nu\bar{\nu}$ and $K_L\to\pi^0\nu\bar{\nu}$, since different new physics models affect the rates for each channel differently. We are investigating the feasibility of performing a measurement of BR($K_L\to\pi^0\nu\bar{\nu}$) using a high-energy secondary neutral beam at the CERN SPS in a successor experiment to NA62. The planned experiment would reuse some of the NA62 infrastructure, including possibly the NA48 liquid-krypton calorimeter. The mean momentum of $K_L$ mesons decaying in the fiducial volume is 70 GeV; the decay products are boosted forward, so that less demanding performance is required from the large-angle photon veto detectors. On the other hand, the layout poses particular challenges for the design of the small-angle vetoes, which must reject photons from $K_L$ decays escaping through the beam pipe amidst an intense background from soft photons and neutrons in the beam. We present some preliminary conclusions from our feasibility studies, summarizing the design challenges faced and the sensitivity obtainable for the measurement of BR($K_L\to\pi^0\nu\bar{\nu}$).Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures. Prepared for the proceedings of the 2016 International Conference on Kaon Physics (KAON 2016), Birmingham, UK, 14-17 September 201

Study of the performance of the NA62 Small-Angle Calorimeter at the DAΦ\PhiNE Linac

The measurement of $BR(K^+\to\pi^+\nu\bar{\nu})$ with 10% precision by the NA62 experiment requires extreme background suppression. The Small Angle Calorimeter aims to provide an efficient veto for photons flying at angles down to zero with respect to the kaon flight direction. The initial prototype was upgraded and tested at the Beam Test Facility of the DA$\Phi$NE Linac at Frascati. The energy resolution and the efficiency were measured and are presented.Comment: 5 pages, 7 figure

An evaluation of |Vus| and precise tests of the Standard Model from world data on leptonic and semileptonic kaon decays

We present a global analysis of leptonic and semileptonic kaon decay data, including all recent results published by the BNL-E865, KLOE, KTeV, ISTRA+ and NA48 experiments. This analysis, in conjunction with precise lattice calculations of the hadronic matrix elements now available, leads to a very precise determination of |Vus| and allows us to perform several stringent tests of the Standard Model.Comment: LaTeX, 25 pages, 12 figures, 16 tables. Submitted to EPJC. v2: Minor changes for accepted version. No numerical results change

Precision tests of the Standard Model with leptonic and semileptonic kaon decays

We present a global analysis of leptonic and semileptonic kaon decays data, including all recent results by BNL-E865, KLOE, KTeV, ISTRA+, and NA48. Experimental results are critically reviewed and combined, taking into account theoretical (both analytical and numerical) constraints on the semileptonic kaon form factors. This analysis leads to a very accurate determination of Vus and allows us to perform several stringent tests of the Standard Model

First principles study of intrinsic point defects in hexagonal barium titanate

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to study the nature of intrinsic defects in the hexagonal polymorph of barium titanate. Defect formation energies are derived for multiple charge states and due consideration is given to finite-size effects (elastic and electrostatic) and the band gap error in defective cells. Correct treatment of the chemical potential of atomic oxygen means that it is possible to circumvent the usual errors associated with the inaccuracy of DFT calculations on the oxygen dimer. Results confirm that both mono- and di-vacancies exist in their nominal charge states over the majority of the band gap. Oxygen vacancies are found to dominate the system in metal-rich conditions with face sharing oxygen vacancies being preferred over corner sharing oxygen vacancies. In oxygen-rich conditions, the dominant vacancy found depends on the Fermi level. Binding energies also show the preference for metal-oxygen di-vacancy formation. Calculated equilibrium concentrations of vacancies in the system are presented for numerous temperatures. Comparisons are drawn with the cubic polymorph as well as with previous potential-based simulations and experimental results

Surface composition of BaTiO3/SrTiO3(001) films grown by atomic oxygen plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy

We have investigated the growth of BaTiO3 thin films deposited on pure and 1% Nb-doped SrTiO3(001) single crystals using atomic oxygen assisted molecular beam epitaxy (AO-MBE) and dedicated Ba and Ti Knudsen cells. Thicknesses up to 30 nm were investigated for various layer compositions. We demonstrate 2D growth and epitaxial single crystalline BaTiO3 layers up to 10 nm before additional 3D features appear; lattice parameter relaxation occurs during the first few nanometers and is completed at {\guillemotright}10 nm. The presence of a Ba oxide rich top layer that probably favors 2D growth is evidenced for well crystallized layers. We show that the Ba oxide rich top layer can be removed by chemical etching. The present work stresses the importance of stoichiometry and surface composition of BaTiO3 layers, especially in view of their integration in devices.Comment: In press in J. Appl. Phy

Physics Opportunities with the FCC-hh Injectors

In this chapter we explore a few examples of physics opportunities using the existing chain of accelerators at CERN, including potential upgrades. In this context the LHC ring is also considered as a part of the injector system. The objective is to find examples that constitute sensitive probes of New Physics that ideally cannot be done elsewhere or can be done significantly better at theCERN accelerator complex. Some of these physics opportunities may require a more flexible injector complex with additional functionality than that just needed to inject protons into the FCC-hh at the right energy, intensity and bunch structure. Therefore it is timely to discuss these options concurrently with the conceptual design of the FCC-hh injector system.Comment: 13 pages, chapter 5 in Physics at the FCC-hh, a 100 TeV pp collide

A prototype large-angle photon veto detector for the P326 experiment at CERN

The P326 experiment at the CERN SPS has been proposed with the purpose of measuring the branching ratio for the decay K^+ \to \pi^+ \nu \bar{\nu} to within 10%. The photon veto system must provide a rejection factor of 10^8 for \pi^0 decays. We have explored two designs for the large-angle veto detectors, one based on scintillating tiles and the other using scintillating fibers. We have constructed a prototype module based on the fiber solution and evaluated its performance using low-energy electron beams from the Frascati Beam-Test Facility. For comparison, we have also tested a tile prototype constructed for the CKM experiment, as well as lead-glass modules from the OPAL electromagnetic barrel calorimeter. We present results on the linearity, energy resolution, and time resolution obtained with the fiber prototype, and compare the detection efficiency for electrons obtained with all three instruments.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables. Presented at the 2007 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Honolulu HI, USA, 28 October - 3 November 200