Abstract
Solar axions could be converted into x-rays inside the strong magnetic field of an axion helioscope, triggering the detection of this elusive particle. Low background x-ray detectors are an essential component for the sensitivity of these searches. We report on the latest developments of the Micromegas detectors for the CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST), including technological pathfinder activities for the future International Axion Observatory (IAXO). The use of low background techniques and the application of discrimination algorithms based on the high granularity of the readout have led to background levels below 10-6 counts/keV/cm2/s, more than a factor 100 lower than the first generation of Micromegas detectors. The best levels achieved at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory (LSC) are as low as 10-7 counts/keV/cm2/s, showing good prospects for the application of this technology in IAXO. The current background model, based on underground and surface measurements, is presented, as well as the strategies to further reduce the background level. Finally, we will describe the R&D paths to achieve sub-keV energy thresholds, which could broaden the physics case of axion helioscopes.
Highlights
High-efficient low-background x-ray detectors are mandatory for an axion helioscope
The future International Axion Observatory (IAXO) aims to increase the sensitivity to the axion-photon coupling constant by 1-2 orders of magnitude [7, 8]
The sensitivity of an axion helioscope can be considered in terms of four main ingredients of such an experiment as gaγ
Summary
High-efficient low-background x-ray detectors are mandatory for an axion helioscope. Microbulk Micromegas (MM) x-ray gaseous detectors [10] are currently used to equip three of the four CAST magnet bores, and they have been proposed as the baseline detector technology for IAXO (figure 1).
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