Abstract
The search for neutrinoless double beta (0ν2β) decay is one of a key issue in modern experimental physics. A number of such experiments are currently under preparation, among them the AMORE (Advanced Mo-based Rare Process Experi- ment) experiment, the purpose of which is to search for the 0ν2β decay of the 100Mo isotope using scintillation isotope-enriched calcium molybdate 40Ca100MoO4 crystals as a source, and the detector as well. In the material of the crystal, molybdenum and calcium of natural isotopic composition are replaced by isotopically enriched 100Mo and 40Ca, respectively. The requirements to the quality of 40Ca100MoO4 crystals (high light output and its homogeneity in volume, high transparency for scintillation light, and ultra-low content of radioactive impurities in the crystal material) are extremely stringent. JSC “Fomos-Materials” (Moscow) for the first time developed the technology of growing of scintillation isotope-enriched 40Ca100MoO4 crystals, which makes it possible to manufacture scintillation elements with dimensions of Ø40–55 mm and length up to 50 mm, with their subsequent annealing and machining, which completely satisfies the requirements of the experiment.
Conclusion
JSC “Fomos-Materials” for the first time developed the technology of growing of scintillation isotope-enriched 40Ca100MoO4 crystals, which makes it possible to man- ufacture scintillation elements with dimensions of Ø40–55 mm and length up to 50 mm, with their subsequent annealing and machining, which completely satisfies the requirements of the experiment. The technology of wastes recycling and synthe- sis of 40Ca100MoO4 growth charge has been developed by JSC NeoChem Company. The first batch of 6 scintillation elements based on 40Ca100MoO4 crystals with total mass of 1.89 kg was installed in the AMORE-Pilot detector for testing of the detector. Other 9 scintillation elements, dedicated to the AMORE-I detector with a total mass of 3.39 kg have been fabricated successfully passed the tests.
Full version of this article is here: Springer Proceedings in Physics 227. Engineering of Scintillation Materials and Radiation Technologies Selected Articles of ISMART2018, p. 113