\inputeconfmacros
.tex A modular design was selected primarily for the purpose of scalability such that if one module can be shown to function as expected the isotope mass can be increased by replication. Stand alone modules also offer the opportunity of operation in disparate locations. Since underground laboratory space remains a limited commodity single modules can be installed where limited space is available in order to maximise usage. Additionally, it reduces the time between start of construction to first data taking.
The first such module, named the demonstrator, is currently under construction and will uniquely host 7 kg of \({}^{82}\)Se. The aim is to demonstrate proof of concept, the capability of the detector to meet the pre-set criteria to reach a target sensitivity of T\({}_{1/2}\)(\(0\nu\)) \(>\) 10\({}^{26}\) years, which corresponds to an effective neutrino mass of 50-100 meV. Data taking is set to start in the summer of 2017.
The UCL SuperNEMO group is involved in the following activities: