Aalseth2021_Article_SiPM-matrixReadoutOfTwo-phaseA.pdf (1.79 MB)
SiPM-matrix readout of two-phase argon detectors using electroluminescence in the visible and near infrared range
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-10, 00:18 authored by C E Aalseth, S Abdelhakim, P Agnes, R Ajaj, I F M Albuquerque, T Alexander, A Alici, A K Alton, P Amaudruz, F Ameli, J Anstey, P Antonioli, M Arba, S Arcelli, Simon PeetersSimon Peeters, The DarkSide-20k collaboration, othersProportional 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.
Funding
STFC Experimental Particle Physics 2018 Consolidated Grant; G2740; STFC-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES COUNCIL; ST/S000798/1
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
European Physical Journal C: Particles and FieldsISSN
1434-6044Publisher
EDP SciencesExternal DOI
Volume
81Page range
1-17Article number
a153Department affiliated with
- Physics and Astronomy Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-07-06First Open Access (FOA) Date
2021-07-06First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2021-07-06Usage metrics
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