Performance evaluation of GYGAG crystals for neutrinoless double beta decay search

Abstract

Neutrinoless double beta decay (0$νββ$) is a crucial for confirming neutrinos' Majorana characteristics. Previous searches for 0$νββ$ decay of $^{160}$Gd using GSO crystals was conducted, but the sensitivity was limited by background $α$-rays from radioactive impurities. To distinguish the backgrounds, PSD (Pulse Shape Discrimination) and energy resolution are essential. GAGG (Gd$_{3}$(Al, Ga)$_5$O$_{12}$) is a $^{160}$Gd-containing crystal that exhibits a higher light yield than GSO and excellent PSD capabilities. GYGAG (Gd$_{3-x}$Y$_x$(Al, Ga)$_5$O$_{12}$) is a variant crystal where a portion of Gd is substituted with Yttrium and can have enhanced light yield, motivating its investigation for 0$νββ$ decay searches. In this study, GYGAG crystals with different Yttrium concentrations were fabricated and their energy resolution, pulse shape discrimination capability between $α$ and $γ$ rays, and scintillation timing characteristics were evaluated for applications in 0$νββ$ decay searches. Y substitution enhanced the light yield, and the best energy resolution was achieved for Gd$_{2.5}$Y$_{0.5}$Al$_2$Ga$_3$O$_{12}$. GYGAG exhibited high pulse shape discrimination performance across various yttrium concentrations.