Demonstrating Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy using a Cavity: The Cavity CRES Apparatus*

The Project 8 experiment aims to measure the effective mass of the electron antineutrino.

In order to achieve this, Project 8 uses Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy (CRES) to detect the faint RF radiation of single tritium beta-decay electrons in a magnetic field. Using RF cavities instead of free space antennas for CRES promises to bring advantages in signal-to-noise ratio and compatibility with atom traps.

In order to explore the use of cavities for the future phases of the Project 8 experiment, a Cavity CRES Apparatus (CCA) is currently under development. Using a small mode-filtered cavity operating at 26 GHz in a 1-T magnetic field, it will demonstrate the CRES detection of conversion electrons from the decay of meta-stable ^83mKr. Furthermore, the CCA will be used to test the calibration of CRES using an electron gun for the first time.

In this contribution I will present the current CCA design and planned measurements.