1. WP3: R&D on ultra low-level WP3: R&D on ultra low-level detectors and facilities JRA1 general meeting, Paris, Feb. 14 th 2006

2. 14-FEB-2006JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein 2  extension of the Low Level Laboratory at LNGS  new space in hall A (GNO counting labs)  development of new generation of HPGe detectors for ultra low- level applications  two new detectors arrived in Gran Sasso (GeMPI-3 in Nov. 2005, GeMPI-4 in Feb. 2006) shielding design is under preparation  set-up of ultra low-level scintillation counter system  counting of 3 H standards started, water distillation (laboratory scale) is ready, Eichrom ® resin cartridge system for 3 H is ready in the chemistry lab  ultra low-level gas counting (GNO counting lab)  new space in hall A now available, GNO counting system is available Development and strengthening of the ultra low- level background facilities at the LNGS

3. 14-FEB-2006JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein 3 LVD CUORE CUORICINO CRESSTGERDA Location of "new" building in hall A: still clean room capabilities are available new LLL

4. 14-FEB-2006JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein 4 Recent developments  the two new ultra low-level Germanium detectors developed in the MPI-K of Heidelberg arrived in Gran Sasso;  new DAQ system for 4-fold Ge-detector; allows for (anti-) coincidence measurements, pulse shape analysis and list mode DAQ; larger sample volume possible;  space allocation in the laboratory: –ERMES activities ongoing in existing LLL –M-Cavern is stopped and dismounting GPC system, freeing up space –ILIAS related equipment present in hall A

5. 14-FEB-2006JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein 5 Application of low background techniques to interdisciplinary fields  environmental radioactivity measurements are ongoing (above all within the ERMES project by Dr. Wolfango Plastino)  tritium standards provided by Dr. Wolfango Plastino in collaboration with IAEA are in measurement on the ultra low-level LSC (at the moment some technical problems with LSC)  geophysics (proposal by Dr. Wolfango Plastino for radon measurements in Boulby)

6. 14-FEB-2006JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein 6 Radiopurity of materials and purification techniques  Set-up a database containing relevant information on radiopurity of materials commonly used for low background applications. (collaboration with WP 4 must be improved)  Measurement of poorly known radiopurity of materials with possible applications within ultra- low background experiments. (only activities within experiments, e.g. GERDA, CUORE)  Cross-check of measuring methods available at the different labs. (see talk of Dr. Claudia Tomei in WP 4 session)

7. 14-FEB-2006JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein 7 Future improvements HPGe-detectors  re-design of sample handling (glove box, Rn tight sealing)  flushing detector chamber with more Rn-pure N 2 due to change of nitrogen supplier (Air Liquide  Linde); in near future use of boil-off nitrogen;  refurbishment of older detectors;  improvement of DAQ and/or electric supply (common ground, filtered plugs, dehumidificator)

8. 14-FEB-2006JRA1 General Meeting, Paris Matthias Laubenstein 8 MPI-K-HD Gas Proportional Counting  GNO counting system available  DAQ upgrade necessary  new counter filling line with gas chromatography