Double-beta decay investigation with highly pure enriched $^{82}$Se for the LUCIFER experiment

Understand

The LUCIFER project aims at deploying the first array of enriched scintillating bolometers for the investigation of neutrinoless double-beta decay of $^{82}$Se.

• The matrix which embeds the source is an array of ZnSe crystals, where enriched $^{82}$Se is used as decay isotope.
• The radiopurity of the initial components employed for manufacturing crystals, that can be operated as bolometers, is crucial for achieving a null background level in the region of interest for double-beta decay investigations.
• In this work, we evaluated the radioactive content in 2.5 kg of 96.3\% enriched $^{82}$Se metal, measured with a high-purity germanium detector at the Gran Sasso deep underground laboratory.