Speaker
Description
The SABRE-North experiment aims to search for dark matter via the annual modulation signature, deploying an array of ultra-low-background NaI(Tl) crystals at Gran Sasso National Laboratory.
The array will be composed of nine detectors (5 kg mass each) in a Cu and PE passive shielding. The expected background rate in the energy window of interest [1,6] keV is of the order of 0.5 dru.
This challenging goal is achieved by reducing the radioactive contaminants in the NaI powder via a custom zone refining equipment and procedure, after which the crystals are grown with vertical bridgman technique, also following a radioclean procedure.
These results represent a breakthrough in the production of ultra-high radio-purity NaI(Tl) scintillators after several years of world wide efforts.
The first crystal of the physics array was completed in May 2026 in the USA and at the time of LRT will be under measurement at LNGS. We report on the methodology, tests and schedule for the completion of the array and the start of data taking.