Speaker
Description
The International Axion Observatory (IAXO) is a next-generation axion helioscope designed to search for solar axions by converting them into X-rays in a strong magnetic field via the Inverse Primakoff Effect. To detect these rare signals, the experiment requires X-ray detectors combining ultra-low background levels with low energy thresholds. Several detection technologies are being explored within this effort. Among them, Micro Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs), in particular Micromegas, constitute the baseline technology due to their excellent event reconstruction and ultra-low background capabilities, already demonstrated in the CERN Axion Solar Telescope.
The IAXO-D1 demonstrator is being operated in two complementary configurations. A surface setup in Zaragoza is primarily devoted to the study of cosmic-induced background and the optimization of active veto strategies. Its predecessor, IAXO-D0, demonstrated the lowest background level achieved to date for Micromegas detectors operating at surface conditions, validating the potential of this technology.
A second IAXO-D1 setup is installed at the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc (LSC), where the cosmic component is strongly suppressed. This configuration enables the characterization of intrinsic background sources, with particular attention to radon-induced contributions and detector radiopurity.
This combined approach provides a comprehensive understanding of background mitigation strategies, constituting a key step toward meeting the stringent requirements of IAXO.
| Name of the speaker | Jorge Porrón Lafuente |
|---|---|
| Eligible for the Georges Charpak Young Scientist Award. | yes |