Performances of a large mass ZnMoO4 scintillating bolometer for a next generation 0νDBD experiment

Abstract

We present the performances of a 330 g zinc molybdate (ZnMoO4) crystal working as scintillating bolometer as a possible candidate for a next generation experiment to search for neutrinoless double beta decay of 100Mo. The energy resolution, evaluated at the 2615 keV γ-line of 208Tl, is 6. 3 keV FWHM. The internal radioactive contaminations of the ZnMoO4 were evaluated as <6 μBq/kg (228Th) and 27±6 μBq/kg (226Ra). We also present the results of the α vs β/γ discrimination, obtained through the scintillation light as well as through the study of the shape of the thermal signal alone. © 2012 The Author(s).