Logo image
Helium–Xenon mixtures to improve the topological signature in high pressure gas xenon TPCs
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Helium–Xenon mixtures to improve the topological signature in high pressure gas xenon TPCs

R. Felkai, F. Monrabal, D. González-Díaz, M. Sorel, N. López-March, J.J. Gómez-Cadenas, C. Adams, V. Álvarez, L. Arazi, C.D.R. Azevedo, …
Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment, Vol.905(C), pp.82-90
10/11/2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2018.07.013
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2018.07.013View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Within the framework of xenon-based double beta decay experiments, we propose the possibility to improve the background rejection of an electroluminescent Time Projection Chamber (EL TPC) by reducing the diffusion of the drifting electrons while keeping nearly intact the energy resolution of a pure xenon EL TPC. Based on state-of-the-art microscopic simulations, a substantial addition of helium, around 10 or 15 %, may reduce drastically the transverse diffusion down to 2.5 mm/m from the 10.5 mm/m of pure xenon. The longitudinal diffusion remains around 4 mm/m. Light production studies have been performed as well. They show that the relative variation in energy resolution introduced by such a change does not exceed a few percent, which leaves the energy resolution practically unchanged. The technical caveats of using photomultipliers close to an helium atmosphere are also discussed in detail.
Double-beta decay Electroluminescence Helium Low diffusion TPC Xenon

Details

Metrics

Logo image