Low background materials and fabrication techniques for cables and connectors in the Majorana Demonstrator

Here, the Majorana Collaboration is searching for the neutrinoless double-beta decay of the nucleus ⁷⁶Ge. The Majorana Demonstrator is an array of germanium detectors deployed with the aim of implementing background reduction techniques suitable for a tonne scale ⁷⁶Ge-based search (the LEGEND collaboration). In the Demonstrator, germanium detectors operate in an ultra-pure vacuum cryostat at 80 K. One special challenge of an ultra-pure environment is to develop reliable cables, connectors, and electronics that do not significantly contribute to the radioactive background of the experiment. This paper highlights the experimental requirements and how these requirements were met for the Majorana Demonstrator, including plans to upgrade the wiring for higher reliability in the summer of 2018. Also described are requirements for LEGEND R&D efforts underway to meet these additional requirements. Authors: Busch, M.; Abgrall, N.; Alvis, S. I.; Arnquist, I. J.; Avignone, F. T.. DOE Contract: AC02-05CH11231; AC05-00OR22725. Subjects: 74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS