Nygren, D R; Jones, B J P; Lopez-march, N; Mei, Y; Psihas, F; Renner, J
arXiv.org,
03/2020
Paper
We present a new neutrinoless double beta decay concept: the high pressure selenium hexafluoride gas time projection chamber. Combining techniques pioneered in high pressure xenon gas such as topological discrimination, with the high Q-value afforded by double beta decay isotope \(^{82}\)Se, a promising new detection technique is outlined. Lack of free electrons in SeF\(_6\) mandates the use of an ion TPC. The microphysics of ion production and drift, which have many nuances, are explored. Background estimates are produced suggesting such a detector may achieve background indices of better than 1 count per ton per year in the region of interest at the 100~kg scale, and still better at the ton-scale.
