MEGA: a low-background radiation detector

The multiple-element gamma assay (MEGA) is a low-background detector designed to support environmental monitoring and national security applications. MEGA also demonstrates technology needed for Majorana, a next generation neutrino mass experiment. It will employ active and passive shielding to reduce backgrounds. It will also exploit multicoincidence signatures to identify specific radioactive isotopes. MEGA is expected to begin testing in late 2003 for eventual installation at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, Carlsbad, NM.