Title: Addressing Radon Challenges in Xenon Dark Matter Detectors: Development of surface coating techniques at Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik

Speaker: Giovanni Volta

Time: 2025-05-20 10：00

Venue: Room W318, Physics Building

Abstract:Radon-induced backgrounds are crucial in rare-event searches, such as dark matter detection. Radon atoms, part of uranium/thorium decay chains, naturally occur in the environment and detector components, affecting sensitivity due to radioactive decay, like the beta decay of 214-Pb. Effective radon mitigation is essential, as current methods don't meet the ~0.1 μBq/kg sensitivity needed for future detectors.At Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik in Heidelberg (Germany), we are developing a novel radon reduction technique using copper electrodeposition. This approach involves a thin coating layer to seal surfaces and minimize radon release. This talk will cover the development progress, achieved reduction results, and future research directions.

Bio：I took my physics degree from the University of Ferrara in Italy. Following that, I moved to Zurich to do my PhD, working in Prof. Laura Bausid's group. During my time there, I joined the XENON collaboration, focusing on the XENON PMTs and data analysis.Currently, I am a postdoc researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) in Heidelberg, working with Prof. Manfred Lindner's group. Right now I am the analysis coordinator for the XENON experiment and, when time permits, I work on the electrodeposition of copper as a radon emanation technique at MPIK.