CUPID-Stage I: Detector optimization and analysis in the context of a next generation 0nbb search // CUPID-Stage I: Detector optimization and analysis in the context of a next generation 0nbb search

The CUPID experiment (CUORE Upgrade with Particle IDentification) aims to achieve unprecedented sensitivity for the detection of neutrinoless double beta decay (0nßß) using an array of 1596 lithium molybdate (Li2MoO4) crystals of ~450 kg mass. If detected this process would be a direct observation new physics in the lepton sector: in example it violates lepton number by 2 units. Dependent on the model it can provide valuable insight into the neutrino mass-scale and possbily to matter generation in the Universe through leptogenesis.

The use of lithium molybdate for this study is particularly advantageous due to their scintillation properties and the high Q-value of the decay process, which lies above most environmental gamma backgrounds. The CUPID experiment employs this material as cryogenic calorimetric detectors, where the heat signal from particle interactions of O (100 microK/MeV) are registered in a sensitive thermistor at a temperature of ~10 mK. Thanks to the high Q-value Mo-100 features a particularly high sensitivity in terms of large phase space factor and nuclear transition matrix element. This will also allow for precision studies and tests of the standard model, through analyses of the shape of another process: the so-called 2 neutrino double beta decay (2nbb), which is a standard model allowed process. However, this rare process (half-life of 7x10^17yr) is not only an interesting particle/nuclear physics target, it is also expected to contribute the most important background in CUPID: the random coincidence of two events adding up in energy to the Q-value of the 0nßß search.

CUPID aims to deploy its new detector array in two phases: An initial detector array with 1/3 of the mass will be deployed by 2030. In the mean time several tower scale measurement and optimization campaigns during the time of this thesis project will allow to analyze and optimize the detector performance of the CUPID detector modules. The further suppression of this so called pile-up background through detector optimization (acting on the sensor attachment of the light detector with a robotic assembly station developed at CEA) and advanced analysis techniques within this thesis will allow to enhance the sensitivity and science reach of CUPID. A further extension of the analysis techniques developed in this thesis to the processing of an array of O(1000) detectors will be tested with the existing TeO2 detecor array of CUORE. In the context of this process the developed analysis techniques will contribute to the final science analyses of CUORE, the leading experiment for 0nßß search with Te-130.
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The CUPID experiment (CUORE Upgrade with Particle IDentification) aims to achieve unprecedented sensitivity for the detection of neutrinoless double beta decay (0nßß) using an array of 1596 lithium molybdate (Li2MoO4) crystals of ~450 kg mass. If detected this process would be a direct observation new physics in the lepton sector: in example it violates lepton number by 2 units. Dependent on the model it can provide valuable insight into the neutrino mass-scale and possbily to matter generation in the Universe through leptogenesis.

The use of lithium molybdate for this study is particularly advantageous due to their scintillation properties and the high Q-value of the decay process, which lies above most environmental gamma backgrounds. The CUPID experiment employs this material as cryogenic calorimetric detectors, where the heat signal from particle interactions of O (100 microK/MeV) are registered in a sensitive thermistor at a temperature of ~10 mK. Thanks to the high Q-value Mo-100 features a particularly high sensitivity in terms of large phase space factor and nuclear transition matrix element. This will also allow for precision studies and tests of the standard model, through analyses of the shape of another process: the so-called 2 neutrino double beta decay (2nbb), which is a standard model allowed process. However, this rare process (half-life of 7x10^17yr) is not only an interesting particle/nuclear physics target, it is also expected to contribute the most important background in CUPID: the random coincidence of two events adding up in energy to the Q-value of the 0nßß search.

CUPID aims to deploy its new detector array in two phases: An initial detector array with 1/3 of the mass will be deployed by 2030. In the mean time several tower scale measurement and optimization campaigns during the time of this thesis project will allow to analyze and optimize the detector performance of the CUPID detector modules. The further suppression of this so called pile-up background through detector optimization (acting on the sensor attachment of the light detector with a robotic assembly station developed at CEA) and advanced analysis techniques within this thesis will allow to enhance the sensitivity and science reach of CUPID. A further extension of the analysis techniques developed in this thesis to the processing of an array of O(1000) detectors will be tested with the existing TeO2 detecor array of CUORE. In the context of this process the developed analysis techniques will contribute to the final science analyses of CUORE, the leading experiment for 0nßß search with Te-130.


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Pôle fr : Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale
Département : Institut de recherche sur les lois fondamentales de l’univers
Service : Service de Physique des Particules
Laboratoire : Groupe Sources et Réacteurs (GNSR)
Date de début souhaitée : 01-10-2026
Ecole doctorale : PHENIICS (PHENIICS)
Directeur de thèse : Schmidt Benjamin
Organisme : CEA
Laboratoire : DRF/IRFU
URL : https://cupidexperiment.org/publications/

Financement public/privé

Pôle fr : Direction de la Recherche Fondamentale
Département : Institut de recherche sur les lois fondamentales de l’univers
Service : Service de Physique des Particules

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