Development of low-threshold detectors for low-mass dark matter searches with a p-type germanium detector operated at cryogenic temperature

This study investigates new technology for enhancing the sensitivity of low-mass dark matter detection by analyzing charge transport in a p-type germanium detector at 5.2 K. To achieve low-threshold detectors, precise calculations of the binding energies of dipole and cluster dipole states, as well as the cross-sections of trapping affected by the electric field, are essential. The detector was operated in two modes: depleted at 77 K before cooling to 5.2 K and cooled directly to 5.2 K with various bias voltages. Our results indicate that the second mode produces lower binding energies and suggests different charge states under varying operating modes. Notably, our measurements of the dipole and cluster dipole state binding energies at zero fields were $8.716\pm 0.435$ meV and $6.138\pm 0.308$ meV, respectively. These findings have strong implications for the development of low-threshold detectors for detecting low-mass dark matter in the future.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figures. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:2302.0841

Development of Low-Threshold Detectors for Low-Mass Dark Matter Searches Using an N-Type Germanium Detector at 5.2 K

We investigated charge transport in an n-type germanium detector at 5.2 K to explore new technology for enhancing low-mass dark matter detection sensitivity. Calculations of dipole and cluster dipole state binding energies and electric field-dependent trapping cross-sections are critical to developing low-threshold detectors. The detector operates in two modes: depleting at 77K before cooling, or directly cooling to 5.2 K and applying different bias voltages. Results indicated lower binding energy of charge states in the second mode, at zero field and under an electric field, suggesting different charge states formed under different operating modes. Measured cluster dipole and dipole state binding energies at zero field were 7.884$\pm$0.644 meV and 8.369$\pm$0.748 meV, respectively, signifying high low-threshold potential for low-mass dark matter searches in the future.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figure

Olfactory deficit: a potential functional marker across the Alzheimer’s disease continuum

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent form of dementia that affects an estimated 32 million individuals globally. Identifying early indicators is vital for screening at-risk populations and implementing timely interventions. At present, there is an urgent need for early and sensitive biomarkers to screen individuals at risk of AD. Among all sensory biomarkers, olfaction is currently one of the most promising indicators for AD. Olfactory dysfunction signifies a decline in the ability to detect, identify, or remember odors. Within the spectrum of AD, impairment in olfactory identification precedes detectable cognitive impairments, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and even the stage of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), by several years. Olfactory impairment is closely linked to the clinical symptoms and neuropathological biomarkers of AD, accompanied by significant structural and functional abnormalities in the brain. Olfactory behavior examination can subjectively evaluate the abilities of olfactory identification, threshold, and discrimination. Olfactory functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can provide a relatively objective assessment of olfactory capabilities, with the potential to become a promising tool for exploring the neural mechanisms of olfactory damage in AD. Here, we provide a timely review of recent literature on the characteristics, neuropathology, and examination of olfactory dysfunction in the AD continuum. We focus on the early changes in olfactory indicators detected by behavioral and fMRI assessments and discuss the potential of these techniques in MCI and preclinical AD. Despite the challenges and limitations of existing research, olfactory dysfunction has demonstrated its value in assessing neurodegenerative diseases and may serve as an early indicator of AD in the future

US Cosmic Visions: New Ideas in Dark Matter 2017: Community Report

This white paper summarizes the workshop "U.S. Cosmic Visions: New Ideas in Dark Matter" held at University of Maryland on March 23-25, 2017.Comment: 102 pages + reference

The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment: Exploring Fundamental Symmetries of the Universe

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early Universe, the dynamics of the supernova bursts that produced the heavy elements necessary for life and whether protons eventually decay --- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our Universe, its current state and its eventual fate. The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) represents an extensively developed plan for a world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions. LBNE is conceived around three central components: (1) a new, high-intensity neutrino source generated from a megawatt-class proton accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, (2) a near neutrino detector just downstream of the source, and (3) a massive liquid argon time-projection chamber deployed as a far detector deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. This facility, located at the site of the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is approximately 1,300 km from the neutrino source at Fermilab -- a distance (baseline) that delivers optimal sensitivity to neutrino charge-parity symmetry violation and mass ordering effects. This ambitious yet cost-effective design incorporates scalability and flexibility and can accommodate a variety of upgrades and contributions. With its exceptional combination of experimental configuration, technical capabilities, and potential for transformative discoveries, LBNE promises to be a vital facility for the field of particle physics worldwide, providing physicists from around the globe with opportunities to collaborate in a twenty to thirty year program of exciting science. In this document we provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess.Comment: Major update of previous version. This is the reference document for LBNE science program and current status. Chapters 1, 3, and 9 provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess. 288 pages, 116 figure

Evaluation of cosmogenic production of 39Ar^{39}Ar and 42Ar^{42}Ar for rare-event physics using underground argon

Underground argon (UAr) with lower cosmogenic activities of $^{39}Ar$ and $^{42}Ar$ has been planned as a detector in detecting scintillation light and charge collection using time projection chambers for dark matter searches and as a veto detector in suppressing backgrounds for neutrinoless double beta decay (0$\nu\beta\beta$) experiments. Long-lived radioactive isotopes, $^{39}Ar$ and $^{42}Ar$, can also be produced on the surface when UAr is pumped out from a deep well. Understanding the production of long-lived isotopes in Ar is important for utilizing UAr for dark matter and 0$\nu\beta\beta$ experiments in terms of its production, transportation, and storage. Ar exposure to cosmic rays at sea-level is simulated using Geant4 for a given cosmic ray muon, neutron, and proton energy spectrum. We report the simulated cosmogenic production rates of $^{39}Ar$, $^{42}Ar$, and other long-lived isotopes at sea-level from fast neutrons, high energy muons, and high energy protons. Total production rates of 938.53/kg$_{Ar}\cdot$day and 5.81$\times$10$^{-3}$/kg$_{Ar}\cdot$day for $^{39}$Ar and $^{42}$Ar are found from our simulation. Utilizing these production rates, we set a time limit of 954 days constrained by the production of $^{39}$Ar for UAr to be on the surface before it compromises the sensitivity for a dark matter experiment. Similarly, a time limit of 1702 days constrained by the production of $^{42}$Ar is found for a 0$\nu\beta\beta$ experiment.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures, and 2 table

The characteristics of the complete chloroplast genome of Staurogyne concinnula (Hance) O. Kuntze (Acanthaceae)

Staurogyne concinnula (Hance) O. Kuntze (Acanthaceae) is an important ornamental herb mainly distributed in the southern region of China, including Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, and Taiwan provinces. However, the complete chloroplast genome of S. concinnula, which could serve as a genetic resource for studies on its taxonomy and evolution, is poorly studied at present. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome of S. concinnula that was assembled using high-throughput sequencing data. The chloroplast genome was 153,783 bp long, with a typical quadripartite structure containing a small single-copy region (SSC; 17,855 bp), a large single-copy region (LSC; 84,636 bp) and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs; each 25,646 bp). The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was 38.04%. A total of 86 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes were predicted. Phylogenetic analysis based on the combined sequences of 86 PCGs with the other 16 closely related species of Acanthaceae indicated that S. concinnula is closely related to Avicennia marina. The genomic data and finding from the phylogenetic studies of S. concinnula could provide useful information and give light to in-depth studies on the evolution pattern of the understudied species, as well as Staurogyne

The characteristics of the complete chloroplast genome of <i>Staurogyne concinnula</i> (Hance) O. Kuntze (Acanthaceae)

Staurogyne concinnula (Hance) O. Kuntze (Acanthaceae) is an important ornamental herb mainly distributed in the southern region of China, including Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, and Taiwan provinces. However, the complete chloroplast genome of S. concinnula, which could serve as a genetic resource for studies on its taxonomy and evolution, is poorly studied at present. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast genome of S. concinnula that was assembled using high-throughput sequencing data. The chloroplast genome was 153,783 bp long, with a typical quadripartite structure containing a small single-copy region (SSC; 17,855 bp), a large single-copy region (LSC; 84,636 bp) and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs; each 25,646 bp). The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was 38.04%. A total of 86 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes were predicted. Phylogenetic analysis based on the combined sequences of 86 PCGs with the other 16 closely related species of Acanthaceae indicated that S. concinnula is closely related to Avicennia marina. The genomic data and finding from the phylogenetic studies of S. concinnula could provide useful information and give light to in-depth studies on the evolution pattern of the understudied species, as well as Staurogyne.</p