Search

The radioactive contamination of two 26 g samples of low background lithium iodide crystal scintillators doped by europium and enriched in 7 Li to 99.9% ( 7 LiI(Eu)) has been investigated by scintillation method at the sea level, and by ultra-low background HPGe γ spectrometry deep underground. No radioactive contamination was detected. In particular, the contamination of the crystal scintillators by 226 Ra and 228 Th does not exceed 1 mBq/kg, and the activity of 40 K is less than 0.5 Bq/kg.

An experiment to search for double-$\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay processes in ${}^{96}$Ru and ${}^{104}$Ru, which are accompanied by $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays, has been realized in the underground Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the I.N.F.N. (Italy). Ruthenium samples with masses of $\ensuremath{\approx}$0.5--0.7 kg were measured with the help of ultralow-background high-purity Ge $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrometry. After 2162 h of data taking the samples were deeply purified to reduce the internal contamination of ${}^{40}$K. The last part of the data has been accumulated over 5479 h. New improved half-life limits on $2{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}/\ensuremath{\varepsilon}{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}/2\ensuremath{\varepsilon}$ processes in ${}^{96}$Ru have been established on the level of ${10}^{20}$ yr, in particular for decays to the ground state of ${}^{96}$Mo: ${T}_{1/2}^{2\ensuremath{\nu}2{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}}\ensuremath{\ge}1.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ yr, ${T}_{1/2}^{2\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\varepsilon}{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}}\ensuremath{\ge}8.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{19}$ yr, and ${T}_{1/2}^{0\ensuremath{\nu}2K}\ensuremath{\ge}1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{21}$ yr (all limits are at 90$%$ C.L.). The resonant neutrinoless double-electron captures to the 2700.2 and 2712.7 keV excited states of ${}^{96}$Mo are restricted as ${T}_{1/2}^{0\ensuremath{\nu}KL}\ensuremath{\ge}2.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ yr and ${T}_{1/2}^{0\ensuremath{\nu}2L}\ensuremath{\ge}3.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ yr, respectively. Various two-neutrino and neutrinoless $2\ensuremath{\beta}$ half-lives of ${}^{96}$Ru have been estimated in the framework of the quasiparticle random-phase approximation approach. In addition, the ${T}_{1/2}$ limit for $0\ensuremath{\nu}2{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ transitions of ${}^{104}$Ru to the first excited state of ${}^{104}$Pd has been set as $\ensuremath{\ge}6.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ yr.

A search for double-beta decay of osmium has been realized for the first time with the help of an ultra-low background HPGe gamma detector at the underground Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy). After 2741 h of data taking with a 173 g ultra-pure osmium sample limits on double-beta processes in 184Os have been established at the level of T_{1/2} about 10^{14}-10^{17} yr. Possible resonant double-electron captures in 184Os were searched for with a sensitivity T_{1/2} about 10^{16} yr. A half-life limit T_{1/2} > 5.3 10^{19} yr was set for the double-beta decay of 192Os to the first excited level of 192Pt. The radiopurity of the osmium sample has been investigated and radionuclides 137Cs, 185Os and 207Bi were detected in the sample, while activities of 40K, 60Co, 226Ra and 232Th were limited at the mBq/kg level., 12 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables

Cadmium tungstate crystal scintillators enriched in 106Cd up to 66% (106CdWO4) and in 116Cd up to 82% (116CdWO4) have been developed. The low radioactive contamination of the crystals measured on the level of ≤ 1.5 mBq/kg (40K), ≤ 0.005 - 0.012 mBq/kg (226Ra), 0.04 - 0.07 mBq/kg (228Th) allows to carry out high sensitivity experiments to search for double beta processes in 106Cd and 116Cd.

In the anisotropic scintillators the light output and the pulse shape for heavy particles (p, α, nuclear recoils) depend on the direction with respect to the crystal axes; the response to γ/β radiation is isotropic instead. This feature offers the possibility to study the directionality approach, which is applicable in the particular case of those Dark Matter candidate particles inducing just nuclear recoils. Among the anisotropic scintillators, the ZnWO4 has unique features, which make it an excellent candidate for this type of research, and there is still plenty of room for the improvement of its performances. In this paper the possibility of a low background pioneer experiment (named ADAMO—Anisotropic detectors for DArk Matter Observation) to exploit deep underground the directionality approach by using anisotropic ZnWO4 scintillators is discussed.

Cadmium tungstate crystal scintillators enriched in 106Cd and 116Cd were developed. The produced scintillators exhibit good optical and scintillation properties, and a low level of radioactive contamination. Experiments to search for double beta decay of 106Cd and 116Cd are in progress at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy). Prospects to further improve the radiopurity of the detectors by recrystallization are discussed., Comment: 9 pages, 1 figure (4 eps-figs), 1 table. Accepted for publication in Radiation Measurements as a Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Luminescent Detectors and Transformers of Ionizing Radiation (LUMDETR 2012), September 09-14, 2012, Halle (Saale), Germany

The studies performed in the research of new materials and purification techniques allow us a wide choice among inorganic scintillators for a variety of use. In this paper crystal scintillators and their application and potentialities in low background measurements are discussed, with a particular attention to direct dark matter investigation.

There are several potentially double beta active isotopes among the lanthanide elements. However, even high purity grade lanthanide compounds contain 238U, 226Ra and 232,228Th typically on the level of ∼ (0.1 - 1) Bq/kg. The liquid-liquid extraction technique was used to remove traces of U, Ra and Th from CeO2, Nd2O3 and Gd2O3. The radioactive contamination of the samples before and after the purification was tested by using ultra-low-background HPGe γ spectrometry at the underground Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy). After the purification the radioactive contamination of gadolinium oxide by Ra and Th was decreased at least one order of magnitude. The efficiency of the approach to purify cerium oxide from Ra was on same level, while the radioactive contamination of neodymium sample before and after the purification is below the sensitivity of analytical methods. The purification method is much less efficient for chemically very similar radioactive elements like lanthanum, lutetium and ...

The DAMA project is an observatory for rare processes operating deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N. In particular, the main apparatus DAMA/LIBRA is mainly dedicated to the investigation of the presence of Dark Matter (DM) particles in the galactic halo by exploiting the model independent DM annual modulation signature. The present DAMA/LIBRA and the former DAMA/ NaI (exposed masses: ≃ 250 kg and ≃ 100 kg of highly radiopure NaI ( Tl ), respectively) experiments have released so far a total exposure of 1.17 ton × yr, collected over 13 annual cycles. They have obtained a positive model independent result for the presence of DM particles in the galactic halo at 8.9σ C.L. Some of the obtained results are shortly summarized and future perspectives mentioned.

Development of low radioactive technique allows to investigate many other rare nuclear and subnuclear processes: double [Formula: see text] decay, rare [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decays, and to search for hypothetical particles and processes like axions, charge nonconserving decays, the nucleon, di-nucleon and tri-nucleon decays into invisible channels, to test the Pauli principle. Here, we present results of the rare processes searches and development of instrumentation for low counting experiments.

Experimental observations and theoretical arguments at Galaxy and larger scales have suggested that a large fraction of the Universe is composed by Dark Matter (DM) particles. This has motivated the DAMA experimental efforts to investigate the presence of such particles in the galactic halo by exploiting a model independent signature with highly radiopure setups deep underground. In this paper, a review of the results obtained with the total exposure of 1.04 ton × yr collected by DAMA/LIBRA–phase1 deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) of the INFN during seven annual cycles is given. The DAMA/LIBRA–phase1 data give evidence for the presence of DM particles in the galactic halo, on the basis of the exploited model independent DM annual modulation signature by using highly radiopure NaI(Tl) target, at 7.5[Formula: see text] C.L. Including also the data of the first generation DAMA/NaI experiment (cumulative exposure 1.33 ton × yr, corresponding to 14 annual cycles), the C.L. is 9.3[Formula: see text] and the modulation amplitude of the single-hit scintillation events in the (2–6) keV energy interval is: (0.0112 ± 0.0012) cpd/kg/keV; the measured phase is (144 ± 7) days and the measured period is (0.998 ± 0.002) yr, values well in agreement with those expected for DM particles. No systematic or side reaction able to mimic the exploited DM signature has been found or suggested by anyone over more than a decade.

DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA data have allowed the study of several rare processes. In this paper, the results obtained for internal pair production in [Formula: see text]Am [Formula: see text] decay, charge not conserving electron capture in [Formula: see text]I and possible processes violating the Pauli Exclusion Principle are briefly discussed.

This paper gathers the main arguments and reasons which allowed one to exclude either systematic effects or side processes as possible sources of the annual modulation observed in the former DAMA/NaI and the latter DAMA/LIBRA–phase1 datasets.

The read-out, the electronics and the DAQ systems used during DAMA/LIBRA-phase1 is described. Moreover, the improvements of the phase2 towards lower software energy threshold are outlined.

In the anisotropic scintillators the light output and the pulse shape for heavy particles (p, α, nuclear recoils) depend on the direction with respect to the crystal axes; the response to γ/β radiation is isotropic instead. This feature offers the possibility to study the directionality approach, which is applicable in the particular case of those Dark Matter candidate particles inducing just nuclear recoils. Among the anisotropic scintillators, the ZnWO4 has unique features, which make it an excellent candidate for this type of research, and there is still plenty of room for the improvement of its performances. Studies on the exploitation of further possibilities are also considered and will be shortly mentioned. In this paper the possibility of a low background pioneer experiment (named ADAMO: Anisotropic detectors for DArk Matter Observation) to exploit the directionality approach by using anisotropic ZnWO4 scintillators is discussed.

The Aurora experiment to investigate double beta decay of $^{116}$Cd with the help of 1.162 kg cadmium tungstate crystal scintillators enriched in $^{116}$Cd to 82\% is in progress at the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory. The half-life of $^{116}$Cd relatively to the two neutrino double beta decay is measured with the highest up-to-date accuracy $T_{1/2}=(2.62\pm0.14)\times10^{19}$ yr. The sensitivity of the experiment to the neutrinoless double beta decay of $^{116}$Cd to the ground state of $^{116}$Sn is estimated as $T_{1/2} \geq 1.9\times10^{23}$ yr at 90\% CL, which corresponds to the effective Majorana neutrino mass limit $\langle m_{\nu}\rangle \leq (1.2-1.8)$ eV. New limits are obtained for the double beta decay of $^{116}$Cd to the excited levels of $^{116}$Sn, and for the neutrinoless double beta decay with emission of majorons., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, 1 table, submitted as proceedings of the TAUP 2015 conference

In this paper we consider the problem of finding a shortest path from a source node to a fixed target node (SSP) or to all the nodes (SPT) on a directed graph. A family of algorithms which derives from the known auction algorithm is introduced. The key feature of these algorithms is based on topological transformations operated on the graphs that replace an optimal sub-path with a single arc of the same length (graph collapsing concept). The same idea is applied both to the standard auction algorithm and to a modified version of the algorithm. In the last mentioned case a good saving in computation cost is obtained as shown by the reported numerical examples.

Cadmium tungstate crystal scintillators enriched in 106Cd (106CdWO 4 ) and 116Cd (116CdWO 4 ) have been developed to search for 2β-decay of 106Cd and 116Cd.

A search for double $\ensuremath{\beta}$ processes in ${}^{106}$Cd was carried out at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy) with the help of a ${}^{106}$CdWO${}_{4}$ crystal scintillator (215 g) enriched in ${}^{106}$Cd up to 66$%$. After 6590 h of data taking, new improved half-life limits on the double $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay processes in ${}^{106}$Cd were established at the level of ${10}^{19}$--${10}^{21}$ yr; in particular, ${T}_{1/2}^{2\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\varepsilon}{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}}\ensuremath{\geqslant}2.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ yr, ${T}_{1/2}^{2\ensuremath{\nu}2{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}}\ensuremath{\geqslant}4.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ yr, and ${T}_{1/2}^{0\ensuremath{\nu}2\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}\ensuremath{\geqslant}1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{21}$ yr. The resonant neutrinoless double-electron captures to the 2718-, 2741-, and 2748-keV excited states of ${}^{106}$Pd are restricted to ${T}_{1/2}^{0\ensuremath{\nu}2K}\ensuremath{\geqslant}4.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ yr, ${T}_{1/2}^{0\ensuremath{\nu}K{L}_{1}}\ensuremath{\geqslant}9.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ yr, and ${T}_{1/2}^{0\ensuremath{\nu}K{L}_{3}}\ensuremath{\geqslant}4.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{20}$ yr, respectively (all limits at 90$%$ confidence level). A possible resonant enhancement of the $0\ensuremath{\nu}2\ensuremath{\varepsilon}$ processes is estimated in the framework of the quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA) approach. Radioactive contamination of the ${}^{106}$CdWO${}_{4}$ crystal scintillator is reported.

This paper gathers arguments and reasons why muons surviving the Gran Sasso mountain cannot mimic the Dark Matter annual modulation signature exploited by the DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA experiments. A number of these items have already been presented in individual papers. Further arguments have been addressed here in order to present a comprehensive collection and to enable a wider community to correctly approach this point., 26 pages, 9 figures. Few arguments added; version accepted for publication on Eur. Phys. J. C

New dedicated high quantum efficiency (Q.E.) photomultipliers (PMTs) have been produced by HAMAMATSU company, tested, selected and installed in the DAMA/LIBRA set-up at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) of the I.N.F.N.. In this paper the results obtained in the measurements of various features of these high Q.E. PMTs are reported, and some performances of DAMA/LIBRA in this new configuration are shown.

The resonance excitation of the 7Li nuclei in a LiF crystal with mass of 553 g by hypothetical axions emitted in the deexcitation of the 7Li nuclei in the Sun was searched for deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories (LNGS) of INFN (3600 m w.e.). The data collected with a low background HP Ge detector 244 cm3 during 4044h have allowed us to set the limit on the axion mass: m a 8.6 keV (90% C.L.) which is the best one for the 7Li solar axions to-date.

Several experiments were performed during last years at underground (3600 m w.e.) Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) of the INFN (Italy) to search for resonant 2$\varepsilon0\nu$ captures in 96Ru, 106Cd, 136Ce, 156Dy, 158Dy, 180W, 184Os, 190Pt with the help of HP Ge semiconductor detectors, and ZnWO4 and 106CdWO4 crystal scintillators. No evidence for r-2$\varepsilon0\nu$ decays was found, and only T_{1/2} limits were established in the range of 10^{14}-10^{21} yr., Comment: Proceedings of TAUP 2011 Conference

A strontium iodide crystal doped by europium (SrI2(Eu)) was produced by using the Stockbarger growth technique. The crystal was subjected to a characterization that includes relative photoelectron output and energy resolution for gamma quanta. The intrinsic radioactivity of the SrI2(Eu) crystal scintillator was tested both by using it as scintillator at sea level and by ultra-low background HPGe gamma spectrometry deep underground. The response of the SrI2(Eu) detector to alpha particles (alpha/beta ratio and pulse shape) was estimated by analysing the 226Ra internal trace contamination of the crystal. We have measured: alpha/beta=0.55 at E_alpha=7.7 MeV, and no difference in the time decay of the scintillation pulses induced by alpha particles and gamma quanta. The application of the obtained results in the search for the double electron capture and electron capture with positron emission in 84Sr has been investigated at a level of sensitivity: T_1/2 \sim 10^{15}-10^{16} yr. The results of these studies demonstrate the potentiality of this material for a variety of scintillation applications, including low-level counting experiments., 24 pages, 12 figures, 4 tables, accepted for publication on Nucl. Instrum. Meth. A

A search for double $\beta$ decay of dysprosium was realized for the first time with the help of an ultra low-background HP Ge $\gamma$ detector. After 2512 h of data taking with a 322 g sample of dysprosium oxide limits on double beta processes in $^{156}$Dy and $^{158}$Dy have been established on the level of $T_{1/2}\geq 10^{14}-10^{16}$ yr. Possible resonant double electron captures in $^{156}$Dy and $^{158}$Dy were restricted on a similar level. As a by-product of the experiment we have measured the radioactive contamination of the Dy$_2$O$_3$ sample and set limits on the $\alpha$ decay of dysprosium isotopes to the excited levels of daughter nuclei as $T_{1/2}\geq 10^{15} - 10^{17}$ yr., Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures, 5 tables, submitted for publication

The α decays of naturally occurring platinum isotopes, which are accompanied by the emission of γ quanta, have been searched for deep underground (3600 m water equivalent) at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy). A sample of Pt with a mass of 42.5 g and a natural isotopic composition has been measured with a low background HP Ge detector (468 cm3) during 1815 h. The α decay of 190Pt to the first excited level of 186Os (Jπ=2+, Eexc=137.2 keV) has been observed for the first time, with the half-life determined as T1/2=2.6-0.3+0.4(stat.)±0.6(syst.)×1014 yr. The T1/2 limits for the α decays of other Pt isotopes have been determined at the level of T1/2≃1016–1020 yr. These limits have been set for the first time or they are better than those known from earlier experiments.

A search for double beta processes in 190Pt and 198Pt was realized with the help of ultra-low background HP Ge 468 cm^3 gamma spectrometer in the underground Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy). After 1815 h of data taking with 42.5 g platinum sample, T_{1/2} limits on 2beta processes in 190Pt (\epsilon\beta^+ and 2\epsilon) have been established on the level of 10^{14}-10^{16} yr, 3 to 4 orders of magnitude higher than those known previously. In particular, a possible resonant double electron capture in 190Pt was restricted on the level of 2.9 \times 10^{16} yr at 90% C.L. In addition, T_{1/2} limit on 2 beta^- decay of 198Pt (2\nu+0\nu) to the 2^+_1 excited level of 198Hg has been set at the first time: T_{1/2}>3.5 \times 10^{18} yr. The radiopurity level of the used platinum sample is reported., Comment: 13 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables

The DAMA/LIBRA experiment, running at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N. in Italy, has a sensitive mass of about 250 kg highly radiopure NaI(Tl). It is mainly devoted to the investigation of Dark Matter (DM) particles in the Galactic halo by exploiting the model independent DM annual modulation signature. The present DAMA/LIBRA experiment and the former DAMA/NaI one (the first generation experiment having an exposed mass of about 100 kg) have released so far results corresponding to a total exposure of 1.17 ton×yr over 13 annual cycles. They provide a model independent evidence of the presence of DM particles in the galactic halo at 8.9 σ C.L. on the basis of the investigated DM signature. Few aspects of the obtained results are shortly summarized and perspectives for the experiment are briefly addressed.

The DAMA/LIBRA experiment has a sensitive mass of about 250 kg highly radiopure NaI(Tl). It is running at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN in Italy and is mainly devoted to the investigation of dark matter (DM) particles in the galactic halo by exploiting the model-independent DM annual modulation signature. The present DAMA/LIBRA and the former DAMA/NaI experiments (the first generation experiment having an exposed mass of about 100 kg) have thus far cumulatively released the results of data collected over 13 annual cycles (total exposure: 1.17 t year). They give model-independent evidence of the presence of DM particles in the galactic halo on the basis of the investigated DM signature at 8.9 sigma C.L. for the cumulative exposure. The main aspects of the obtained results are summarized and some comments are addressed.

Double beta processes in 136Ce, 138Ce and 142Ce have been searched for by exploiting the active source approach with the help of a 6.9 g CeCl3 crystal as a scintillator for the first time at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) of the INFN (Italy). The total measurement time is 1638 h; even such a small exposure has allowed the achievement of some improved half-life limits on 2β decay processes in these isotopes at the level of 1016–1018 yr. In particular (90% C.L.): T0νeβ+1/2(136Ce) ≥ 8.8 × 1016 yr, T2νeβ+1/2(136Ce) ≥2.4 × 1016 yr, T2ν2K1/2(136Ce) ≥3.2 × 1016 yr, T2ν2K1/2(138Ce) ≥4.4 × 1016 yr, and T2ν2β−1/2(142Ce) ≥1.4 × 1018 yr. Possible future perspectives are also briefly addressed.

The long-standing model-independent annual modulation effect measured by the DAMA Collaboration, which fulfills all the requirements of a dark matter annual modulation signature, and the new result by the CoGeNT experiment that shows a similar behavior are comparatively examined under the hypothesis of a dark matter candidate particle interacting with the detectors' nuclei by a coherent elastic process. The ensuing physical regions in the plane of the dark matter-particle mass versus the dark matter-particle nucleon cross-section are derived for various galactic halo models and by taking into account the impact of various experimental uncertainties. It is shown that the DAMA and the CoGeNT regions agree well between each other and are well fitted by a supersymmetric model with light neutralinos which satisfies all available experimental constraints, including the most recent results from CMS and ATLAS at the CERN Large Hadron Collider., 13 pages, 7 figures

The alpha decays of naturally occurring platinum isotopes, which are accompanied by the emission of gamma quanta, have been searched for deep underground (3600 m w.e.) in the Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy). A sample of Pt with mass of 42.5 g and a natural isotopic composition has been measured with a low background HP Ge detector (468 cm^3) during 1815 h. The alpha decay of 190-Pt to the first excited level of 186-Os (J^\pi = 2^+, E_{exc}=137.2 keV) has been observed for the first time, with the half-life determined as: T_{1/2} = 2.6_{-0.3}^{+0.4} (stat.) \pm 0.6 (syst.) \times 10^{14} yr. The T_{1/2} limits for the alpha decays of other Pt isotopes have been determined at level of T_{1/2} \simeq 10^{16}-10^{20} yr. These limits have been set for the first time or they are better than those known from earlier experiments., Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication on Phys. Rev. C

A search for double beta decay of 64,70Zn, 180,186W was carried out by using low background ZnWO4 crystal scintillators, while a CeCl3 scintillation detector was applied to investigate 2β processes in 136,138,142Ce. A search for 2β decay of 96,104Ru, 156,158Dy, 190,198Pt and study of 2ν2β decay of 100Mo to the first excited 0+ level of 100Ru were realized by ultra‐low background HPGe γ spectrometry. Moreover, CdWO4 crystal scintillators from enriched 106Cd and 116Cd isotopes were developed to search for 2β decay of 106Cd and 116Cd. Finally, experiments aimed to investigate 96,104Ru and 116Cd are in progress and a new phase of the experiment to search for 2β processes in 106Cd is in preparation.

[1] The Analyzer of Space Plasmas and Energetic Atoms (ASPERA-4) instrument on Venus Express is used to determine bow shock position at Venus using ion data alone, using data recorded during a solar minimum from the Ion Mass Analyzer (IMA) which is part of the ASPERA-4 package. Previous models constructed from solar minimum data using Venus Express, Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) and Venera 9 and 10 are also compared to the current fit. An important feature of this new fit is a statistical accuracy introduced in the form of a probability weighting function for the data points, based on the time spent in particular locations. The bow shock curve is then compared to two-dimensional ion maps. These verify the accuracy of this and previous solar minimum fit curves based on PVO and Venus Express magnetic data. Comparing all bow shock models to the 2D ion maps shows that a combination of models produces the best fit. Since all the fitted curves show differences in position they are investigated relative to the solar conditions pertaining at the times when the individual data sets were measured. The sub solar point and terminator distance were thus found to vary linearly with sunspot number and hence with solar activity. This relationship, which was already known to exist between solar maximum and solar minimum, is now shown to exist between different solar minima and even within the same minimum. This indicates a need for the mechanisms for bow shock maintenance and variance to be more closely modeled.

The DAMA project is an observatory for rare processes and it is operative deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N. In particular, the DAMA/LIBRA (Large sodium Iodide Bulk for RAre processes) set-up consists of highly radiopure NaI(Tl) detectors for a total sensitive exposed mass of ≃250 kg. Recent results, obtained by this set-up by exploiting the model independent annual modulation signature of Dark Matter (DM) particles, have confirmed and improved those obtained by the former DAMA/NaI experiment. A model independent evidence for the presence of Dark Matter particles in the galactic halo is cumulatively obtained at 8.2 σ C.L. No systematics or side reactions able to account for the measured modulation amplitude and to contemporaneously satisfy all the many specific requirements of the signature have been found or suggested by anyone over more than a decade. An example of one of the many possible model dependent corollary quests for the candidate particles and for the related astrophysical, nuclear and particle physics scenarios is presented considering the whole cumulative exposure. Future perspectives are shortly addressed.

The Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE), is the Herschel Space Observatory`s submillimetre camera and spectrometer. It contains a three-band imaging photometer operating at 250, 350 and 500 microns, and an imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) which covers simultaneously its whole operating range of 194-671 microns (447-1550 GHz). The SPIRE detectors are arrays of feedhorn-coupled bolometers cooled to 0.3 K. The photometer has a field of view of 4' x 8', observed simultaneously in the three spectral bands. Its main operating mode is scan-mapping, whereby the field of view is scanned across the sky to achieve full spatial sampling and to cover large areas if desired. The spectrometer has an approximately circular field of view with a diameter of 2.6'. The spectral resolution can be adjusted between 1.2 and 25 GHz by changing the stroke length of the FTS scan mirror. Its main operating mode involves a fixed telescope pointing with multiple scans of the FTS mirror to acquire spectral data. For extended source measurements, multiple position offsets are implemented by means of an internal beam steering mirror to achieve the desired spatial sampling and by rastering of the telescope pointing to map areas larger than the field of view. The SPIRE instrument consists of a cold focal plane unit located inside the Herschel cryostat and warm electronics units, located on the spacecraft Service Module, for instrument control and data handling. Science data are transmitted to Earth with no on-board data compression, and processed by automatic pipelines to produce calibrated science products. The in-flight performance of the instrument matches or exceeds predictions based on pre-launch testing and modelling: the photometer sensitivity is comparable to or slightly better than estimated pre-launch, and the spectrometer sensitivity is also better by a factor of 1.5-2., Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophyics (Herschel first results special issue)

The DAMA/LIBRA set-up (about 250 kg highly radiopure NaI(Tl) sensitive mass) is running at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N.. The first DAMA/LIBRA results confirm the evidence for the presence of a Dark Matter particle component in the galactic halo, as pointed out by the former DAMA/NaI set-up; cumulatively the data support such evidence at 8.2 sigma C.L. and satisfy all the many peculiarities of the Dark Matter annual modulation signature. The main aspects and prospects of this model independent experimental approach will be outlined., Comment: Contributed paper to the Int. Conf. SciNeGHE 2009, Assisi, Italy, October 2009

DAMA/LIBRA is running at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N.. Here the results obtained with a further exposure of 0.34 ton x yr are presented. They refer to two further annual cycles collected one before and one after the first DAMA/LIBRA upgrade occurred on September/October 2008. The cumulative exposure with those previously released by the former DAMA/NaI and by DAMA/LIBRA is now 1.17 ton x yr, corresponding to 13 annual cycles. The data further confirm the model independent evidence of the presence of Dark Matter (DM) particles in the galactic halo on the basis of the DM annual modulation signature (8.9 sigma C.L. for the cumulative exposure). In particular, with the cumulative exposure the modulation amplitude of the single-hit events in the (2 -- 6) keV energy interval measured in NaI(Tl) target is (0.0116 +- 0.0013) cpd/kg/keV; the measured phase is (146 +- 7) days and the measured period is (0.999 +- 0.002) yr, values well in agreement with those expected for the DM particles., presented at the Int. Conf. Beyond the Standard Models of Particle Physics, Cosmology and Astrophysics (BEYOND 2010), 1-6 February 2010, Cape Town, South Africa

Searches for non-paulian nuclear processes, i.e. processes normally forbidden by the Pauli–Exclusion–Principle (PEP) with highly radiopure NaI(Tl) scintillators allow the test of this fundamental principle with high sensitivity. Status and perspectives are briefly addressed.

An experiment to search for 2b processes in 106Cd with the help of 106CdWO4 crystal scintillator (mass of 215 g), enriched in 106Cd up to 66%, is in progress at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy). After 1320 h of data taking, limits on double beta processes in 106Cd have been established on the level of 1019–1020 yr, in particular (all the results at 90% C.L.): T1/2(0ν2e)>3.6×1020 yr, T1/2(2νeβ+)>7.2×1019 yr, and T1/2(2ν2β+)>2.5×1020 yr. Resonant 0ν2e processes have been restricted as T1/2(0ν2K)>1.4×1020 yr and T1/2(0νLK)>3.2×1020 yr. A possible resonant enhancement of the 0ν2e processes is estimated in the framework of the QRPA approach.

Searches for non-paulian nuclear processes, i.e. processes normally forbidden by the Pauli-Exclusion-Principle (PEP) with highly radiopure NaI(Tl) scintillators allow the test of this fundamental principle with high sensitivity. Status and perspectives are addressed.

In this paper, a particular Vehicle Routing Problem is described realted to storage management problems for a flexible manufactuting system (FMS). It is formulated as the problem of picking a given number of different types of objects contained in a list from a set of locations where objects are stored in given quantities. This is accomplished by a set of tours traveled by a vehicle of fixed capacity starting and ending at the same given location. The goal is to minimize the total length of all tours.

A search for double- $ \beta$ processes in 96Ru and 104Ru was realized in the underground Gran Sasso National Laboratories of the INFN (Italy) with the help of ultra-low background HPGe $ \gamma$ spectrometry. After 158h of data taking with 473g ruthenium sample, new improved limits on double-beta processes in 96Ru have been established on the level of 1018-1019yr. For the first time the double-beta decay of 104Ru to the 2+ 1 excited level of 104Pd has been restricted as T 1/2 > 3.5×1019 yr.

Feasibility studies on a search for 7 Li solar axion have been carried out. In particular, the data collected with a LiF powder of 243 g measured during 722 h with a 408 cm 3 low background HP Ge detector (GSOR) at the Gran Sasso National Laboratories (LNGS) of INFN has allowed to set limit on the 7 Li solar axion mass of 13.9 keV, better than the previously available one: 16.0 keV [A.V. Derbin, et al., JETP Lett. 81 (2005) 365]. It has also been shown that improved results would be achieved with LiF(W) crystal which—in contrast with the LiF powder—does not show a relatively high contamination by U/Th chains. The potential backgrounds and the reachable sensitivity of an experiment are discussed.

International audience; Millimetron is a Russian-led 12 m diameter submillimeter and far-infrared space observatory which is included in the Space Plan of the Russian Federation for launch around 2017. With its large collecting area and state-of-the-art receivers, it will enable unique science and allow at least one order of magnitude improvement with respect to the Herschel Space Observatory. Millimetron will be operated in two basic observing modes: as a single-dish observatory, and as an element of a ground-space very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) system. As single-dish, angular resolutions on the order of 3 to 12 arc sec will be achieved and spectral resolutions of up to a million employing heterodyne techniques. As VLBI antenna, the chosen elliptical orbit will provide extremely large VLBI baselines (beyond 300,000 km) resulting in micro-arc second angular resolution.