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Ultra-sensitive radon assay using an electrostatic chamber in a recirculating system
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Ultra-sensitive radon assay using an electrostatic chamber in a recirculating system

A. Anker, P.A. Breur, B. Mong, P. Acharya, A. Amy, E. Angelico, I.J. Arnquist, A. Atencio, J. Bane, V. Belov, …
Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment, v 1081, 170876
01 Jan 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2025.170876
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2025.170876View
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Abstract

Electrostatic chamber Low-background detectors Neutrinos Radioactivity assay Radon
Rare event searches such as neutrinoless double beta decay and Weakly Interacting Massive Particle detection require ultra-low background detectors. Radon contamination is a significant challenge for these experiments, which employ highly sensitive radon assay techniques to identify and select low-emission materials. This work presents the development of ultra-sensitive electrostatic chamber (ESC) instruments designed to measure radon emanation in a recirculating gas loop, for future lower background experiments. Unlike traditional methods that separate emanation and detection steps, this system allows continuous radon transport and detection. This is made possible with a custom-built recirculation pump. A Python-based analysis framework, PyDAn, was developed to process and fit time-dependent radon decay data. Radon emanation rates are given for various materials measured with this instrument. A radon source of known activity provides an absolute calibration, enabling statistically-limited minimal detectable activities of 20 μBq. These devices are powerful tools for screening materials in the development of low-background particle physics experiments.

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