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Title: Dielectric strength of noble and quenched gases for high pressure time projection chambers

Journal Article · · European Physical Journal. C, Particles and Fields
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Abstract Dielectric breakdown strength is one of the critical performance metrics for pure gases and gas mixtures used in large, high pressure gas time projection chambers. In this paper we experimentally study dielectric breakdown strengths of several important time projection chamber working gases and gas-phase insulators over the pressure range 100 mbar to 10 bar, and gap sizes ranging from 0.1 to 10 mm. Gases characterized include argon, xenon, CO $$$$_2$$$$ 2 , CF $$$$_4$$$$ 4 , and mixtures 90-10 argon-CH $$$$_4$$$$ 4 , 90-10 argon-CO $$$$_2$$$$ 2 and 99-1 argon-CF $$$$_4$$$$ 4 . We develop a theoretical model for high voltage breakdown based on microphysical simulations that use electron swarm Monte Carlo results as input to Townsend- and Meek-like discharge criteria. This model is shown to be highly predictive at high pressure, out-performing traditional Paschen–Townsend and Meek–Raether models significantly. At lower pressure-times-distance, the Townsend-like model is an excellent description for noble gases whereas the Meek-like model provides a highly accurate prediction for insulating gases.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Texas at Arlington, TX (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Nuclear Physics (NP)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0019054; SC0019223
OSTI ID:
1841026
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1908617
Journal Information:
European Physical Journal. C, Particles and Fields, Journal Name: European Physical Journal. C, Particles and Fields Vol. 82 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 1434-6044
Publisher:
Springer Science + Business MediaCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
Germany
Language:
English

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