Proposals

Abstract

The Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (CENPA) supports a broad program of experimental physics research in fundamental symmetries, neutrinos, muons, axions, and non-Newtonian gravitation. A major portion of our effort is involved with experiments done elsewhere using equipment we develop here, supporting a vigorous research program at sites as varied as the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, Fermilab in Illinois, the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland, and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. CENPA is home to the Axion Dark Matter eXperiment (ADMX) and the Eöt-Wash precision gravity group. A 9-MV Tandem Van de Graaff Accelerator provides intense beams of light ions, and the world's most intense helium-6 source. CENPA faculty and staff provide hands-on student instruction in an array of laboratory technical skills & safety on topics ranging from electrical power, compressed gases, cryogenic liquids (He & N2) (liquefaction, dispensing, delivery, transport), lifting and hoisting, vacuum technology, high voltages, high currents, high magnetic fields, radiation, and radioactive sources. This proposal specifically covers the core equipment and software upgrades that will reliably measure gamma radiation spectra using our existing high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector setup, and alpha particle spectra using existing silicon surface barrier detector setup. Previously this detector was used to measure radioactive dust fallout from the Fukushima nuclear plant after the earthquake in March 11, 2011. You will find the results and setup of that setup: https://www.npl.washington.edu/monitoring/.