FOR2202: ECHo

The DFG Research Unit "Neutrino Mass Determination by Electron Capture in 163Ho - ECHo" aims to investigate the electron neutrino mass in the sub-eV range by means of the analysis of the calorimetrically measured energy spectrum following the electron capture process of 163Ho. In the ECHo experiment, arrays of low temperature metallic magnetic calorimeters with high energy resolution and fast response time, having the 163Ho source embedded in the absorber, will be used to calorimetrically measure the EC spectrum.  Independent measurements of the QEC-value will be performed using high precision Penning trap. For the QEC measurements as well as for the calorimetric measurement of the 163Ho spectrum, high purity 163Ho sources will be produced. Detailed studies of the background and of methods to reduce it will be performed in order to increase the sensitivity of the calorimetric measurement.

 

We aim to achieve the required experimental conditions and the knowledge to be able to investigate the electron neutrino mass in the sub-eV range. In particular, within the scope of this Research Unit, we will carry out a medium-size experiment (Echo-1k) with the aim of investigating the value of the electron neutrino mass in the range below 10 eV by means of high precision and high statistics calorimetric measurement of the 163Ho EC spectrum. The expected  result will improve the limit on the electron neutrino mass by more than one order of magnitude, since presently the most stringent limit is m(ve) < 225 eV (95% CL).  

163Ho EC-Spectrum
Contact
Prof. Dr. Christian Enss
phone +49 (0)6221 54-9861
enss@kip.uni-heidelberg.de
JProf. Dr. Loredana Gastaldo
phone +49 (0)6221 54-9884
gastaldo@kip.uni-heidelberg.de