Characterization of a Candidate Electron Detector for the KATRIN Neutrino Experiment

Observed neutrino oscillations contradict the Standard Model idea of a massless neutrino, but the mass of the neutrino remains a mystery. The KArlsruhe TRItium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment performs sub-eV sensitivity, theory-independent measurements of the mass of the electron antineutrino produced from the beta decay of tritium. Through direct measurement of the decay electrons, KATRIN has placed an upper limit of 0.8 eV at 90% Confidence Level. The KATRIN experiment detects beta decay electrons, using a silicon semiconductor PIN-diode array. Previous analysis of the KATRIN data results and Monte Carlo simulation suggests a dead layer thickness of 155.4 ± -0.5 ± - 0.2 nm, which presents an opportunity for improvement in energy resolution. The LBNL detector group has developed a PIN-diode, using novel manufacturing practices. I am characterizing this new detector's dead layer thickness as well as the influence of temperature and applied bias voltage on its energy resolution and leakage current. My characterization of this detector will contribute to future detector development and determine this detector candidate's suitability for neutrino mass measurements.