Speaker
Description
The construction of next generation low-background detectors requires, material that balances radiopurity with superior mechanical properties. While electroformed copper is currently known to have the best radiopurity levels, however it is constrained by slow depositions rate, limited structural strength and complex manufacturing requirements. The talk introduces chemical vapour deposition (CVD) nickel as an alternative, evaluating its potential to surpass current standards. CVD nickel exhibits significant advantage over electroformed copper, offering faster deposition rates, robust mechanical properties and superior weldability. Essential for developing thinner, complex and more efficient produced detector geometries. Despite the promising attributes, there are some critical unknown gaps regarding contamination free fabrication and welding processes.
The talk outlines the initial phase of a systematic research program designed to validate CVD Ni as a viable material choice for detectors. Our current efforts focus on establishing a foundational understanding of the material’s performance through evaluation of existing literature and plan the program to include the shortcomings of the prior research. We are developing a close collaboration with the world’s two primary CVD Ni suppliers as well as the potential pressure vessel fabricators to define the construction code requirements and material constraints. Conduct material test to establish a baseline assessment of material properties as well as exploring different welding techniques. This work will form the basis of an upcoming experimental campaign, which will characterize the radiopurity and mechanical properties and, inform the development of code compliant fabrication for pressure vessel applications.
A central focus of this research is the development of validatory methods for fabrication and welding process suitable for implementation within underground laboratory environments while maintaining the radiopurity requirements. By addressing these challenges, this work aims to provide the research community with a more suitable material for future research requirements. The research provides a foundational framework for the use of CVD Ni in low-background physics experiments. By bridging the gap between the material innovation, radiopurity requirements and construction constraints to address the demands of future physics experiments.