The sensitivity of experiments searching for rare event physics is dictated to a large extent by the background level achieved

The sensitivity of experiments searching for rare event physics is dictated to a large extent by the background level achieved. Thus, it is imperative to carefully study the background, determining its nature and location, in order to develop strategies leading to its rejection. That goes in parallel with the development of state-of-the-art ultra-low background techniques for producing and measuring radio-pure materials, and is a common issue in all searches in Neutrino Physics and Astroparticle Physics.
The underground laboratories have, as their main objective, to provide the conditions needed for such low background experiments, i.e. a deep underground site to avoid cosmic radiation and the provision of the most advanced technologies to deal with all sources of background and drive them to their lowest level.
The main objective of activity LBT-DUSL is to identify and measure the different backgrounds (intrinsic, induced and environmental) contributing to a given experiment, and to design methods and techniques (shielding, vetoes, and identification and discrimination mechanisms) to suppress them. For that purpose a comprehensive R&D program on the improvement and implementation of ultra-low background techniques will be carried out cooperatively in the four European Underground Laboratories: Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS-Italy), Laboratorio Subterraneo de Canfranc (LSC-Spain), Laboratoire Souterrain de Modane (LSM-France) and Boulby Underground Lab (IUS-UK).

The activity of JRA1 is organized in four Work Packages:

WP 1: Measurements of the backgrounds in the UE underground sites

WP 2: Development of a standard library of background simulation codes

WP 3: R&D for ultra-low background techniques and facilities in the UE underground labs.

WP 4: R&D on radiopurity of materials and purification techniques