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Title: SiPM-matrix readout of two-phase argon detectors using electroluminescence in the visible and near infrared range

Journal Article · · European Physical Journal. C, Particles and Fields
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Proportional electroluminescence (EL) in noble gases is used in two-phase detectors for dark matter searches to record (in the gas phase) the ionization signal induced by particle scattering in the liquid phase. The “standard” EL mechanism is considered to be due to noble gas excimer emission in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV). In addition, there are two alternative mechanisms, producing light in the visible and near infrared (NIR) ranges. The first is due to bremsstrahlung of electrons scattered on neutral atoms (“neutral bremsstrahlung”, NBrS). The second, responsible for electron avalanche scintillation in the NIR at higher electric fields, is due to transitions between excited atomic states. In this work, we have for the first time demonstrated two alternative techniques of the optical readout of two-phase argon detectors, in the visible and NIR range, using a silicon photomultiplier matrix and electroluminescence due to either neutral bremsstrahlung or avalanche scintillation. The amplitude yield and position resolution were measured for these readout techniques, which allowed to assess the detection threshold for electron and nuclear recoils in two-phase argon detectors for dark matter searches. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first practical application of the NBrS effect in detection science.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), Batavia, IL (United States); Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), High Energy Physics (HEP); Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR); Russian Science Foundation (RSF)
Contributing Organization:
The DarkSide-20k Collaboration
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-07CH11359
OSTI ID:
1617228
Report Number(s):
FERMILAB-PUB-20-155-PPD; arXiv:2004.02024; oai:inspirehep.net:1789768; TRN: US2106736
Journal Information:
European Physical Journal. C, Particles and Fields, Vol. 81, Issue 2; ISSN 1434-6044
Publisher:
SpringerCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (1)

Review of Liquid Argon Detector Technologies in the Neutrino Sector text January 2021

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