Search

Thermal detectors are introduced and their possible impact on neutrinoless double-beta-decay (2β0ν) search is discussed. The thermal experiment MIBETA is described, reporting the up-to-date limits on 130Te and 128Te. A new generation experiment, consisting in a large expansion of MIBETA and known as CUORE, is presented and discussed.

Massive low temperature particle detectors and their possible impacts on searches for neutrinoless double beta decay (Oν-DBD) are presented and discussed. In particular, the experimental work of the Milano group is described. Special relevance is given to the present status of the search for Oν-DBD of 130Te and to the possible expansion of this experiment in the near future. The most recent results obtained by the Milano-Gran Sasso collaboration with a 20 bolometer array are presented. On the basis of these results, the construction of a 42 kg array consisting of 56 TeO2 bolometers (CUORICINO project), to extend the sensitivity of the present experiment, has been proposed. CUORICINO should represent also a feasibility test for a large array of 1000 bolometers (CUORE project) aiming at the search for neutrinoless Double Beta Decay, Cold Dark Matter and Solar Axions with extremely high sensitivity.

The role that low temperature thermal detectors are going to play in a few relevant subjects of Non Accelerator Physics is briefly reviewed. The use of large arrays of macrobolometers is considered in experiments on Solar Neutrinos, on Double Beta Decay, and on interactions of WIMPS.