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High density noble gas detectors and search for massive neutrinos in the [beta]-decay of [superscript 35] S

Citation

Imel, David A. (1990) High density noble gas detectors and search for massive neutrinos in the [beta]-decay of [superscript 35] S. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/5jsm-vs97. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06142007-091200

Abstract

This thesis is divided into two parts. In Part I, I present a series of studies of high density noble gas detectors, the goal of which was to determine the feasibility of a [superscript 136] Xe [beta][beta]-decay detector. The limitations of liquid, high pressure and solid xenon and argon detectors are described in detail, and it is shown that initial recombination of [delta]-electrons provides the ultimate limit to energy resolution in the condensed media. Ionization spectra in solid xenon are presented for the first time.

Part II describes an experiment which uses the Caltech iron-free double-focusing [beta]-spectrometer to test the possible admixture of a heavy neutrino in the [beta]-spectrum of [superscript 35] S. Preliminary data with a statistical uncertainty of 3x10(-3) are presented and show that the [beta]-spectrum is consistent with the allowed shape. Although the data are not accurate enough to verify or deny the existence of the 17 keV neutrino postulated by Simpson, data runs are underway which should clearly confirm it or rule it out.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Boehm, Felix H. (advisor)
  • Vogel, Petr (advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:23 May 1990
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-06142007-091200
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-06142007-091200
DOI:10.7907/5jsm-vs97
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:2594
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:09 Jul 2007
Last Modified:16 Apr 2021 23:26

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