Speaker
Description
The next generation of rare-event search experiments in underground laboratories requires a precise understanding of all background sources, including environmental γ-ray radiation within experimental halls.
In this contribution, we present recent measurements of the environmental γ-ray flux at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS). A dedicated campaign has been carried out using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector deployed at multiple locations in Hall C, enabling the first detailed spatial mapping of the γ radiation field in this environment. The measurement approach and the associated simulation framework used to derive the γ-ray flux will be described. In addition, the temporal evolution of the γ-ray rate has been studied in correlation with ambient radon activity, showing a clear dependence consistent with the contribution from short-lived radon progeny. These observations highlight the importance of combined and continuous monitoring of environmental parameters and provide key insight into time-dependent background variations relevant for rare-event searches.
This work is part of a broader effort aimed at a systematic characterization of environmental radioactivity at LNGS, with the long-term goal of extending this program to other underground laboratories to enable consistent cross-comparisons of environmental γ-ray fluxes using a common and calibrated measurement approach.
| Main Contribution topic | Instrumentation for Dark Matter searches |
|---|---|
| Secondary contribution topic | Direct detection |