Improved and automated krypton assay for low-background xenon detectors with Auto-RGMS

Abstract Ultra-sensitive quantification of trace radioactive krypton-85 ( $$^{85}$$ 85 Kr) is essential for low-background experiments, particularly for next-generation searches of galactic dark matter and neutrino physics using xenon-based time projection chambers (TPCs). While the rare gas mass sp...

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Main Authors: Matteo Guida, Ying-Ting Lin, Hardy Simgen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-05-01
Series:European Physical Journal C: Particles and Fields
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-025-14262-2
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author Matteo Guida
Ying-Ting Lin
Hardy Simgen
author_facet Matteo Guida
Ying-Ting Lin
Hardy Simgen
author_sort Matteo Guida
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Ultra-sensitive quantification of trace radioactive krypton-85 ( $$^{85}$$ 85 Kr) is essential for low-background experiments, particularly for next-generation searches of galactic dark matter and neutrino physics using xenon-based time projection chambers (TPCs). While the rare gas mass spectrometer (RGMS) represents the current state-of-the-art for krypton detection in the field, we are developing a fully automated system (Auto-RGMS) to overcome the limitations of its manual operation. Auto-RGMS incorporates a robust control system for rapid measurements and minimized systematic uncertainties. A primary goal is to reach detection limits in the low parts-per-quadrillion (ppq) range for natural krypton by improving the chromatography stage to enhance the separation of krypton from xenon. Investigations into various adsorbent materials identified two candidates. HayeSep Q offers a 12-fold improvement in chromatographic resolution for xenon/krypton separation compared to the previously used adsorbent. Alternatively, HayeSep D provides a more limited improvement in resolution while allowing a higher measurement frequency because of its moderate retention-induced contamination after each measurement. By automating krypton assays and achieving ppq sensitivity, Auto-RGMS will be an indispensable tool for next-generation detectors, maximizing their scientific potential.
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spelling doaj-art-9c7fcf6ade354c97bae3f222c02e1b512025-08-20T01:59:56ZengSpringerOpenEuropean Physical Journal C: Particles and Fields1434-60522025-05-0185511010.1140/epjc/s10052-025-14262-2Improved and automated krypton assay for low-background xenon detectors with Auto-RGMSMatteo Guida0Ying-Ting Lin1Hardy Simgen2Max-Planck-Institut für KernphysikMax-Planck-Institut für KernphysikMax-Planck-Institut für KernphysikAbstract Ultra-sensitive quantification of trace radioactive krypton-85 ( $$^{85}$$ 85 Kr) is essential for low-background experiments, particularly for next-generation searches of galactic dark matter and neutrino physics using xenon-based time projection chambers (TPCs). While the rare gas mass spectrometer (RGMS) represents the current state-of-the-art for krypton detection in the field, we are developing a fully automated system (Auto-RGMS) to overcome the limitations of its manual operation. Auto-RGMS incorporates a robust control system for rapid measurements and minimized systematic uncertainties. A primary goal is to reach detection limits in the low parts-per-quadrillion (ppq) range for natural krypton by improving the chromatography stage to enhance the separation of krypton from xenon. Investigations into various adsorbent materials identified two candidates. HayeSep Q offers a 12-fold improvement in chromatographic resolution for xenon/krypton separation compared to the previously used adsorbent. Alternatively, HayeSep D provides a more limited improvement in resolution while allowing a higher measurement frequency because of its moderate retention-induced contamination after each measurement. By automating krypton assays and achieving ppq sensitivity, Auto-RGMS will be an indispensable tool for next-generation detectors, maximizing their scientific potential.https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-025-14262-2
spellingShingle Matteo Guida
Ying-Ting Lin
Hardy Simgen
Improved and automated krypton assay for low-background xenon detectors with Auto-RGMS
European Physical Journal C: Particles and Fields
title Improved and automated krypton assay for low-background xenon detectors with Auto-RGMS
title_full Improved and automated krypton assay for low-background xenon detectors with Auto-RGMS
title_fullStr Improved and automated krypton assay for low-background xenon detectors with Auto-RGMS
title_full_unstemmed Improved and automated krypton assay for low-background xenon detectors with Auto-RGMS
title_short Improved and automated krypton assay for low-background xenon detectors with Auto-RGMS
title_sort improved and automated krypton assay for low background xenon detectors with auto rgms
url https://doi.org/10.1140/epjc/s10052-025-14262-2
work_keys_str_mv AT matteoguida improvedandautomatedkryptonassayforlowbackgroundxenondetectorswithautorgms
AT yingtinglin improvedandautomatedkryptonassayforlowbackgroundxenondetectorswithautorgms
AT hardysimgen improvedandautomatedkryptonassayforlowbackgroundxenondetectorswithautorgms