J. Vann | Searcharxiv

arXiv2020

ARIADNE -- A Novel Optical LArTPC: Technical Design Report and Initial Characterisation using a Secondary Beam from the CERN PS and Cosmic Muons

ARIADNE is a 1-ton (330 kg fiducial mass) dual-phase liquid argon (LAr) time projection chamber (TPC) featuring a novel optical readout. Four electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) cameras are mounted externally, and these capture the secondary scintillation light produced in the holes of a thick electron gas multiplier (THGEM). Track reconstruction using this novel readout approach is demonstrated. Optical readout has the potential to be a cost effective alternative to charge readout in future LArTPCs. In this paper, the technical design of the detector is detailed. Results of mixed particle detection using a secondary beam from the CERN PS (representing the first ever optical images of argon interactions in a dual-phase LArTPC at a beamline) and cosmic muon detection at the University of Liverpool are also presented.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2019

First demonstration of 3D optical readout of a TPC using a single photon sensitive Timepix3 based camera

The ARIADNE project is developing innovative optical readout technologies for two-phase liquid Argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs). Optical readout presents an exciting alternative to the current paradigm of charge readout. Optical readout is simple, scalable and cost effective. This paper presents first demonstration of 3D optical readout of TPC, using CF4 gas as a proof of principle. Both cosmic rays and an Americium-241 alpha source have been imaged in 100 mbar CF4. A single-photon sensitive camera was developed by combining a Timepix3 (TPX3) based camera with an image intensifier. When a pixel of TPX3 is hit, a packet containing all information about the hit is produced. This packet contains the x,y coordinates of the pixel, time of arrival (ToA) and time over threshold (ToT) information. The z position of the hit in the TPC is determined by combining drift velocity with ToA information. 3D event reconstruction is performed by combining the pixels x,y location with this calculated z position. Calorimetry is performed using time over threshold, a measure of the intensity of the hit.

physics.ins-det↗