A 83Krm source for use in low-background liquid Xenon time projection chambers

Abstract

We report the testing of a charcoal-based 83Krm source for use in calibrating a low-background two-phase liquid xenon detector. 83Krm atoms produced through the decay of 83Rb are introduced into a xenon detector by flowing xenon gas past the 83Rb source. 9.4 keV and 32.1 keV transitions from decaying 83Krm nuclei are detected through liquid xenon scintillation and ionization. The characteristics of the 83Krm source are analyzed and shown to be appropriate for a low background liquid xenon detector. Introduction of 83Krm allows for quick, periodic calibration of low background noble liquid detectors at low energy.