Address:
Marina Bazyk from the department and laboratory Subatech - Subatomic Physics and Technologies, will present her research about :
"Characterization of material backgrounds and calibration of the XENONnT detector from keV to MeV"
Dark Matter (DM) and Neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) have potential to reveal new physics beyond the Standard Model. The thesis is done in the framework of the XENONnT underground ultra-low background experiment. XENONnT (at the INFN LNGS in Italy) has a great sensitivity to search for rare events.
In this context, the importance of the calibration process of the XENONnT detector, which responds differently to nuclear and electronic recoils based on the interacting particle and energy range (keV to MeV) will be underlined.
Using a variety of calibration sources, the study presented in this manuscript served to characterize on the detector's response, ensuring accurate signal identification.
Additionally, extensive background characterization and modeling – particularly from detector materials and surrounding environment – is essential for isolating true signals from noise. This thesis contributes by the background characterization, thus improving data interpretation for rare event searches.
This work advances XENONnT’s capabilities in the search for DM and 0νββ, aiding the broader quest for new physics. By developing improved approaches to background reduction, calibration, and signal analysis, this research supports the ongoing exploration of fundamental questions in physics and enhances our understanding of the universe.
Organizer(s)
Thesis co-acreditation from the University of Melbourne and IMT Atlantique with the doctoral school 3MG
Keywords : Dark Matter, neutrinoless double beta decay, XENONnT, background, uncertainties. Liquid Xenon