Ultralow background periods in CAST Micromegas detectors and tests in the Canfranc Underground Laboratory

Abstract

Micromegas detectors have shown a low and stable background level in the CAST experiment due to their low radioactive materials, good energy resolution and spatial resolution. Since 2008, four ultralow background periods have been observed with the new microbulk detectors. During these periods, the background level reduced one order of magnitude, reaching a value around 10−7 s−1 keV−1 cm−2 between 2 and 7 keV. In all cases, the intensity of the three fluorescence lines (at 3, 6 and 8 keV) presented at the background spectrum reduced but the relative ratio remained stable. To clarify the origin of these periods and might determine the ultimate background level of these readouts, a CAST-like detector has been installed at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory. The actual level is compatible with the one measured in CAST. A new Micromegas detectors is being developped for working in CAST experiment during 2011, based on the conclusions of this work.