Search for neutron dark decay: n → χ + e + e
In January, 2018, Fornal and Grinstein proposed that a previously unobserved neutron decay branch to a dark matter particle (χ) could account for the discrepancy in the neutron lifetime observed in two different types of experiments. One of the possible final states discussed includes a single χ alo...
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Published in: | EPJ Web of Conferences Vol. 219; p. 5008 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
Format: | Journal Article Conference Proceeding |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Les Ulis
EDP Sciences
2019
|
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | In January, 2018, Fornal and Grinstein proposed that a previously unobserved neutron decay branch to a dark matter particle (χ) could account for the discrepancy in the neutron lifetime observed in two different types of experiments. One of the possible final states discussed includes a single χ along with an
e
+
e
−
pair. We use data from the UCNA (Ultracold Neutron Asymmetry) experiment to set limits on this decay channel. Coincident electron-like events are detected with ∼ 4π acceptance using a pair of detectors that observe a volume of stored Ultracold Neutrons (UCNs). We use the timing information of coincidence events to select candidate dark sector particle decays by applying a timing calibration and selecting events within a physically-forbidden timing region for conventional
n
→
p
+
e
-
+
ν̅
e
decays. The summed kinetic energy (
E
e
+
e
−
) from such events is reconstructed and used to set limits, as a function of the χ mass, on the branching fraction for this decay channel. |
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ISSN: | 2100-014X 2101-6275 2100-014X |
DOI: | 10.1051/epjconf/201921905008 |