Mainz 2012 – scientific programme

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HK: Fachverband Physik der Hadronen und Kerne

HK 33: Fundamentale Symmetrien

HK 33.8: Talk

Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 18:45–19:00, P 1

Improvements of the aSPECT retardation spectrometer — •Alexander Wunderle — Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

The aSPECT retardation spectrometer measures the electron antineutrino angular correlation coefficient a in free neutron decay with high precision. This measurement can be used to determine the ratio of gA/gV of the weak coupling constants, as well as to search for physics beyond the Standard Model.

Currently a is determined with a precision of Δ a/a ≈ 5 %, whereas aSPECT aims for a precision of Δ a/a ≈ 0.3 %. To achieve this precision a new detector electronics has been developed and implemented, which avoids a previously observed saturation effect. Also, the main electrode has been redesigned and their surface treatment/coating has been improved. Compared to the previous electrode this leads to a smaller fluctuation of the work function, hence to a more precise determination of the potential. Furthermore, the collimation system for the neutron beam has been coated with a conductive layer to avoid a potential charging of the system.

These and further improvements will be presented and discussed in this talk.