SLICES: Spes Low-energy Internal Conversion Electron Spectrometer

The Spes Low-energy Internal Conversion Electron Spectrometer (SLICES) is a new electron spectrometer designed to perform off-beam measurements at the beta decay station of the SPES facility at the Legnaro National Laboratories (LNL). SLICES consists of a large area Si(Li) detector cooled at −150 °C and a magnetic transport system. Four permanent N52 magnets, located around a central photon shield focus the electrons on the detector. In this paper, a detailed description of the SLICES components is presented. The strength of the measured magnetic field has been compared with calculations. The efficiency of the apparatus has been simulated and compared with the experimental data obtained using a radioactive 207Bi source. The commissioning of the spectrometer at the CN accelerator at LNL is also presented.