Magnetic-field compatibility of TRISTAN detectors for the KATRIN keV sterile neutrino search

At the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), a full-scale replica of the KATRIN experiment's detector system was developed to pretest the innovative TRISTAN detectors. This replica enables comprehensive testing and calibration of up to nine TRISTAN detector modules under controlled conditions, ensuring optimal performance before their integration into the KATRIN beamline in 2026. This upgrade will enhance KATRIN's sensitivity in the search for keV-scale sterile neutrinos. Preliminary results demonstrate that the TRISTAN modules deliver exceptional high-resolution for beta spectroscopy, which is essential for precise neutrino mass measurements and the exploration of potential new physics.

During operation in the KATRIN beamline, the detector modules will be exposed to a strong magnetic field. To investigate its influence on critical detector parameters, including energy resolution and signal rise time, dedicated measurements were performed using the replica system. This presentation will discuss these results and highlight the excellent properties of the TRISTAN detector modules.

This work is supported by the Helmholtz Association and by the Ministry for Education and Research BMFTR (grant numbers 05A23PMA, 05A23PX2, 05A23VK2 and 05A23WO6).