A muon decay accompanied by a photon through the inner Bremmstrahlung process (μ→eνν¯γ, radiative muon decay) produces a time-correlated pair of positron and photon which becomes one of the main backgrounds in the search for μ→eγ decay. This channel is also an important probe of timing calibration and cross-check of whole the experiment. We identified a large sample (∼ 13000) of radiative muon decays in MEG data sample. The measured branching ratio in a region of interest in the μ→eγ search is consistent with the standard model prediction. It is also the first measurement of the decay from polarized muons. The precision measurement of this mode enables us to use it as one of the normalization channels of μ→eγ decay successfully reducing its uncertainty to less than 5%.

We studied the radiative muon decay $\mu^+ \to e^+\nu\nu\gamma$ by using for the first time an almost fully polarized muon beam. We identified a large sample (~13000) of these decays in a total sample of 1.8x10^14 positive muon decays collected in the MEG experiment and measured the branching ratio B($\mu^+ \to e^+\nu\nu\gamma$) = (6.03+-0.14(stat.)+-0.53(sys.))x10^-8 for E_e > 45 MeV and E_{\gamma} > 40 MeV, consistent with the Standard Model prediction. Moreover, the precise measurement of this decay mode provides the basic tool for the timing calibration and a strong quality check of the complete MEG experiment in the search for $\mu^+ \to e^+\gamma$ process.

The analysis of a combined data set, totaling 3.6 X 10(14) stopped muons on target, in the search for the lepton flavor violating decay mu(+) -> e(+) gamma is presented. The data collected by the MEG experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institut show no excess of events compared to background expectations and yield a new upper limit on the branching ratio of this decay of 5.7 X 10(-13) (90% confidence level). This represents a four times more stringent limit than the previous world best limit set by MEG.

The MEG (Mu to Electron Gamma) experiment has been running at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Switzerland since 2008 to search for the decay μ + →e + γ by using one of the most intense continuous μ + beams in the world. This paper presents the MEG components: the positron spectrometer, including a thin target, a superconducting magnet, a set of drift chambers for measuring the muon decay vertex and the positron momentum, a timing counter for measuring the positron time, and a liquid xenon detector for measuring the photon energy, position and time. The trigger system, the read-out electronics and the data acquisition system are also presented in detail. The paper is completed with a description of the equipment and techniques developed for the calibration in time and energy and the simulation of the whole apparatus.

The Timing Counter of the MEG (Mu to Electron Gamma) experiment is designed to deliver trigger information and to accurately measure the timing of the e(+) in searching for the decay mu(+) -> e(+)gamma. It is part of a magnetic spectrometer with the mu(+) decay target in the center. It consists of two sectors upstream and downstream the target, each one with two layers: the inner one made with scintillating fibers read out by APDs for trigger and track reconstruction, the outer one consisting in scintillating bars read out by PMTs for trigger and time measurement. The design criteria, the obtained performances and the commissioning of the detector are presented herein.

The MEG experiment at PSI searches for the decay μ→eγ at a level of ≈10−13 on the branching ratio BR(μ→eγ/μ→tot), well beyond the present experimental limit (BR≤1.2×10−11) and is sensitive to the predictions of SUSY-GUT theories. To reach this goal the experiment uses one of the most intense continuous surface muon beams available (≈108μ/s) and relies on advanced technology (LXe calorimetry, a gradient-field superconducting spectrometer as well as flexible and powerful trigger and acquisition systems). In order to maintain the highest possible energy, time and spatial resolutions for such detector, frequent calibration and monitoring, using a Cockcroft–Walton proton accelerator, are required. The proton beam is brought to the centre of MEG by a special bellows insertion system and travels in a direction opposite to the one of the normal μ‐beam. Protons interact with a lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7) nuclear target and produce one γ (17.6 MeV) from the reaction Li(p,γ)37Be48 or two coincident γs (11.67 and 4.4 MeV) from the reaction B(p,γ1)511C⁎612. The 17.6 MeV γ is used for calibrating and monitoring the LXe calorimeter (σEγ/Eγ=3.85±0.15% at 17.6 MeV) while the coincident 11.67 and 4.4 MeV γs are used to measure the relative timing of the calorimeter and the spectrometer timing counters (σΔt=0.450±0.015ns).

We present a new result based on an analysis of the data collected by the MEG detector at the Paul Scherrer Institut in 2009 and 2010, in search of the lepton-flavor-violating decay þ ! e þ .The likelihood analysis of the combined data sample, which corresponds to a total of 1:8 Â 10 14 muon decays, gives a 90% C.L. upper limit of 2:4 Â 10 À12 on the branching ratio of the þ ! e þ decay, constituting the most stringent limit on the existence of this decay to date.

The latest results and the activities towards the construction of a km3 Cherenkov neutrino detector carried out by the NEMO Collaboration are described. Long-term exploration of a 3500 m deep-sea site close to the Sicilian coast has shown that it is optimal for the installation of the detector. The NEMO Phase-1 project has validated several technologies proposed for the construction of the km3 detector on a test site at 2000 m depth. The new infrastructure on the candidate Capo Passero site set up as part of the Phase-2 project will provide the possibility to test detector components at 3500 m depth.

An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) was moored at the deep-sea site of the ANTARES neutrino telescope near Toulon, France, thus providing a unique opportunity to compare high-resolution acoustic and optical observations between 70 and 170m above the sea bed at 2475m. The ADCP measured downward vertical currents of magnitudes up to 0.03ms−1 in late winter and early spring 2006. In the same period, observations were made of enhanced levels of acoustic reflection, interpreted as suspended particles including zooplankton, by a factor of about 10 and of horizontal currents reaching 0.35ms−1. These observations coincided with high light levels detected by the telescope, interpreted as increased bioluminescence. During winter 2006 deep dense-water formation occurred in the Ligurian subbasin, thus providing a possible explanation for these observations. However, the 10–20 days quasi-periodic episodes of high levels of acoustic reflection, light and large vertical currents continuing into the summer are not direct evidence of this process. It is hypothesized that the main process allowing for suspended material to be moved vertically later in the year is local advection, linked with topographic boundary current instabilities along the rim of the ‘Northern Current’.

The MEG experiment has been taking data at the Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland) since 2008 to search for the rare decay μ+→e+γ. In order to reduce the huge accidental background, it is crucial to reach a high resolution on the e+ time measurement through a dedicated Timing Counter detector. We report the methods for calibrating and the performance achieved by the Timing Counter in the early phase of the experiment.

We present a new result based on an analysis of the data collected by the MEG detector at the Paul Scherrer Institut in 2009 and 2010, in search of the lepton flavour violating decay mu->e gamma. The likelihood analysis of the combined data sample, which corresponds to a total of 1.8 x 10**14 muon decays, gives a 90% C.L. upper limit of 2.4 x 10**-12 on the branching ratio of the mu->e gamma decay, constituting the most stringent limit on the existence of this decay to date.

The MEG experiment is searching for the rare mu(+) -> e(+)gamma decay with a sensitivity on the BR at the level of 10(-13). This kind of precision needs stringent requirements on the performances of the detectors involved in the project. In particular, the Timing Counter detector has been designed to measure the time and the position of the positron at the end of its path inside the MEG detector, reaching a resolution of 100 ps FWHM and 1 cm, respectively. The Timing Counter consists of two subdetectors: one made of contiguous scintillator bars having PMTs at their opposite ends, and the other one made of scintillating fibers read by APDs. Both sub-detectors also generate a first level trigger signal for timing and direction of the positron, respectively.

The NEMO Collaboration installed and operated an underwater detector including prototypes of the critical elements of a possible underwater km3 neutrino telescope: a four-floor tower (called Mini-Tower) and a Junction Box. The detector was developed to test some of the main systems of the km3 detector, including the data transmission, the power distribution, the timing calibration and the acoustic positioning systems as well as to verify the capabilities of a single tridimensional detection structure to reconstruct muon tracks. We present results of the analysis of the data collected with the NEMO Mini-Tower. The position of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) is determined through the acoustic position system. Signals detected with PMTs are used to reconstruct the tracks of atmospheric muons. The angular distribution of atmospheric muons was measured and results compared to Monte Carlo simulations.

ANTARES is a high-energy neutrino telescope installed in the Mediterranean Sea at a depth of 2475 m. It consists of a three-dimensional array of optical modules, each containing a large photomultiplier tube. A total of 2700 front-end ASICs named analogue ring samplers (ARS) process the phototube signals, measure their arrival time, amplitude and shape as well as perform monitoring and calibration tasks. The ARS chip processes the analogue signals from the optical modules and converts information into digital data. All the information is transmitted to shore through further multiplexing electronics and an optical link. This paper describes the performance of the ARS chip; results from the functionality and characterization tests in the laboratory are summarized and the long-term performance in the apparatus is illustrated.

The ANTARES high energy neutrino telescope is a three-dimensional array of about 900 photomultipliers distributed over 12 mooring lines installed in the Mediterranean Sea. Between February and November 2007 it acquired data in a 5-line configuration. The zenith angular distribution of the atmospheric muon flux and the associated depth-intensity relation are measured and compared with previous measurements and Monte Carlo expectations. An evaluation of the systematic effects due to uncertainties on environmental and detector parameters is presented.

Abstract. An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) moored at the deep-sea ANTARES neutrino telescope site near Toulon, France, measured downward vertical currents of amplitudes up to 0.03 m s−1 in spring 2006. The currents were accompanied by enhanced levels of acoustic reflection by a factor of about 10 and by horizontal currents reaching 0.35 m s−1. These observations coincided with high levels of bioluminescence detected by the telescope. Although during winter 2006 deep dense-water formation occurred in this area, episodes of high levels of suspended particles and large vertical currents continuing into the summer are not direct evidence of this process. It is hypothesized that the main process allowing for particles to be moved across the entire water column (2500 m) within a few days, is local convection, triggered by small-mesoscale phenomena, such as meanders including a bipolar vortex, linked with boundary current instabilities.

The selection of the photomultiplier plays a crucial role in the R&D activity related to a large-scale underwater neutrino telescope. This paper illustrates the main procedures and facilities used to characterize the performances of 72 large area photomultipliers, Hamamatsu model R7081 sel. The voltage to achieve a gain of 5×107, dark count rate and single photoelectron time and charge properties of the overall response were measured with a properly attenuated 410 nm pulsed laser. A dedicated study of the spurious pulses was also performed. The results prove that the photomultipliers comply with the general requirements imposed by the project.

A new method for the measurement of the muon flux in the deep-sea ANTARES neutrino telescope and its dependence on the depth is presented. The method is based on the observation of coincidence signals in adjacent storeys of the detector. This yields an energy threshold of about 4GeV. The main sources of optical background are the decay of 40K and the bioluminescence in the sea water. The 40K background is used to calibrate the efficiency of the photo-multiplier tubes.

In this paper we report on the data recorded with the first Antares detector line. The line was deployed on the 14th of February 2006 and was connected to the readout two weeks later. Environmental data for one and a half years of running are shown. Measurements of atmospheric muons from data taken from selected runs during the first six months of operation are presented. Performance figures in terms of time residuals and angular resolution are given. Finally the angular distribution of atmospheric muons is presented and from this the depth profile of the muon intensity is derived.