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arXiv · 0911.5453

Calibration of liquid argon and neon detectors with $^{83}Kr^m$

W. H. Lippincott·S. B. Cahn·D. Gastler·L. W. Kastens·E. Kearns·D. N. McKinsey·J. A. Nikkel
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Abstract

We report results from tests of $^{83}$Kr$^{\mathrm{m}}$, as a calibration source in liquid argon and liquid neon. $^{83}$Kr$^{\mathrm{m}}$ atoms are produced in the decay of $^{83}$Rb, and a clear $^{83}$Kr$^{\mathrm{m}}$ scintillation peak at 41.5 keV appears in both liquids when filling our detector through a piece of zeolite coated with $^{83}$Rb. Based on this scintillation peak, we observe 6.0 photoelectrons/keV in liquid argon with a resolution of 6% ($σ$/E) and 3.0 photoelectrons/keV in liquid neon with a resolution of 19% ($σ$/E). The observed peak intensity subsequently decays with the $^{83}$Kr$^{\mathrm{m}}$ half-life after stopping the fill, and we find evidence that the spatial location of $^{83}$Kr$^{\mathrm{m}}$ atoms in the chamber can be resolved. $^{83}$Kr$^{\mathrm{m}}$ will be a useful calibration source for liquid argon and neon dark matter and solar neutrino detectors.

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W. H. Lippincott, S. B. Cahn, D. Gastler, L. W. Kastens, E. Kearns, D. N. McKinsey, J. A. Nikkel. 2009-11-30. Calibration of liquid argon and neon detectors with $^{83}Kr^m$. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevc.81.045803

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