Using pixel detectors in investigations of EC/EC decay

Abstract

A new multi-detector spectrometer based on Timepix silicon pixel detectors is developed to investigate the 2νEC/EC decay of 106Cd. The detectors have high efficiency for recording two low-energy KX radiation quanta emitted during 2νEC/EC decay. The ability of pixel detector to identify α, β, and γ particles and precisely localize them allows us to suppress background radiation efficiently. Test measurements for an assembly of two pixel detectors in an underground laboratory were performed. They showed the possibility of using them in the search for the 2νEC/EC decay of 106Cd.