Two-phase Xenon Research Articles

Detection of Alpha Particles and Low Energy Gamma Rays by Thermo-Bonded Micromegas in Xenon Gas

Micromegas is a type of micro-pattern gaseous detector currently under R&D for applications in rare event search experiments. Here we report the performance of a Micromegas structure constructed with a micromesh thermo-bonded to a readout plane, motivated by its potential application in two-phase xenon detectors for dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay experiments. The study is carried out in pure xenon at room temperature. Measurements with alpha particles from the Americium-241 source showed that gas gains larger than 200 can be obtained at xenon pressure up to 3 atm. Gamma rays down to 8 keV were observed with such a device.

Study of light detection and sensitivity for a ton-scale liquid xenon dark matter detector

Ton-scale liquid xenon detectors operated in two-phase mode are proposed and being constructed recently to explore the favored parameter space for the Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) dark matter. To achieve a better light collection efficiency while limiting the number of electronics channels compared to the previous generation detectors, large-size photo-multiplier tubes (PMTs) such as the 3-inch-diameter R11410 from Hamamatsu are suggested to replace the 1-inch-square R8520 PMTs. In a two-phase xenon dark matter detector, two PMT arrays on the top and bottom are usually used. In this study, we compare the performance of two different ton-scale liquid xenon detector configurations with the same number of either R11410 (config.1) or R8520 (config.2) for the top PMT array, while both using R11410 PMTs for the bottom array. The self-shielding of liquid xenon suppresses the background from the PMTs and the dominant background is from the pp solar neutrinos in the central fiducial volume. The light collection efficiency for the primary scintillation light is largely affected by the xenon purity and the reflectivity of the reflectors. In the optimistic situation with a 10 m light absorption length and a 95% reflectivity, the light collection efficiency is 43%(34%) for config.1(config.2). In the conservative situation with a 2.5 m light absorption length and a 85% reflectivity, the value is only 18%(13%) for config.1(config.2). The difference between the two configurations is due to the larger PMT coverage on the top for config.1. The slightly different position resolutions for the two configurations have a negligible effect on the sensitivity. Based on the above considerations, we estimate the sensitivity reach of the two detector configurations. Both configurations can reach a sensitivity of 2 ∼ 3 × 10−47cm2 for spin-independent WIMP-nucleon cross section for 100 GeV/c2 WIMPs after two live-years of operation. The one with R8520 PMTs for the top PMT array is more cost-effective, while the one with R11410 PMTs on the top has a factor of two better sensitivity for light WIMPs at 10 GeV/c2.

Two-phase xenon emission detector with electron multiplier and optical readout by multipixel avalanche Geiger photodiodes

The successful operation of a new optical readout system (THGEM + WLS + MGPDs (multichannel array of multipixel avalanche Geiger photodiodes) in a two-phase liquid xenon detector was demonstrated.

The LUX prototype detector: Heat exchanger development

The LUX (large underground xenon) detector is a two-phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) designed to search for WIMP–nucleon dark matter interactions. As with all noble element detectors, continuous purification of the detector medium is essential to produce a large (>1ms) electron lifetime; this is necessary for efficient measurement of the electron signal which in turn is essential for achieving robust discrimination of signal from background events. In this paper, we describe the development of a novel purification system deployed in a prototype detector. The results from the operation of this prototype indicated heat exchange with an efficiency above 94% up to a flow rate of 42 slpm, allowing for an electron drift length greater than 1m to be achieved in approximately 2 days and sustained for the duration of the testing period.

Performance data from the ZEPLIN-III second science run

ZEPLIN-III is a two-phase xenon direct dark matter experiment located at the Boulby Mine (U.K.). After its first science run in 2008 it was upgraded with: an array of low background photomultipliers, a new anti-coincidence detector system with plastic scintillator and an improved calibration system. After 319 days of data taking the second science run ended in May 2011. In this paper we describe the instrument performance with emphasis on the position and energy reconstruction algorithm and summarise the final science results.

Single electron emission in two-phase xenon with application to the detection of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering

We present an experimental study of single electron emission in ZEPLIN-III, a two-phase xenon experiment built to search for dark matter WIMPs, and discuss applications enabled by the excellent signal-to-noise ratio achieved in detecting this signature. Firstly, we demonstrate a practical method for precise measurement of the free electron lifetime in liquid xenon during normal operation of these detectors. Then, using a realistic detector response model and backgrounds, we assess the feasibility of deploying such an instrument for measuring coherent neutrino-nucleus elastic scattering using the ionisation channel in the few-electron regime. We conclude that it should be possible to measure this elusive neutrino signature above an ionisation threshold of $\sim$3 electrons both at a stopped pion source and at a nuclear reactor. Detectable signal rates are larger in the reactor case, but the triggered measurement and harder recoil energy spectrum afforded by the accelerator source enable lower overall background and fiducialisation of the active volume.

Data acquisition and readout system for the LUX dark matter experiment

LUX is a two-phase (liquid/gas) xenon time projection chamber designed to detect nuclear recoils from interactions with dark matter particles. Signals from the LUX detector are processed by custom-built analog electronics which provide properly shaped signals for the trigger and data acquisition (DAQ) systems. The DAQ is composed of commercial digitizers with firmware customized for the LUX experiment. Data acquisition systems in rare-event searches must accommodate high rate and large dynamic range during precision calibrations involving radioactive sources, while also delivering low threshold for maximum sensitivity. The LUX DAQ meets these challenges using real-time baseline suppression that allows for a maximum event acquisition rate in excess of 1.5kHz with virtually no deadtime. This paper describes the LUX DAQ and the novel acquisition techniques employed in the LUX experiment.

Design and performance of the XENON10 dark matter experiment

XENON10 is the first two-phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) developed within the XENON dark matter search program. The TPC, with an active liquid xenon (LXe) mass of about 14 kg, was installed at the Gran Sasso Underground Laboratory (LNGS) in Italy, and operated for more than one year, with excellent stability and performance. Results from a dark matter search with XENON10 have been published elsewhere. In this paper, we summarize the design and performance of the detector and its subsystems, based on calibration data using sources of gamma-rays and neutrons as well as background and Monte Carlo simulation data. The results on the detector’s energy threshold, position resolution, and overall efficiency show a performance that exceeds design specifications, in view of the very low energy threshold achieved (<10 keVr) and low background rate achieved.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Quantitative and Visual Ventilation Pattern Analysis at Xenon Ventilation CT Performed by Using a Dual-Energy Technique

To evaluate the potential of xenon ventilation computed tomography (CT) in the quantitative and visual analysis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study was approved by the institutional review board. After informed consent was obtained, 32 patients with COPD underwent CT performed before the administration of xenon, two-phase xenon ventilation CT with wash-in (WI) and wash-out (WO) periods, and pulmonary function testing (PFT). For quantitative analysis, results of PFT were compared with attenuation parameters from prexenon images and xenon parameters from xenon-enhanced images in the following three areas at each phase: whole lung, lung with normal attenuation, and low-attenuating lung (LAL). For visual analysis, ventilation patterns were categorized according to the pattern of xenon attenuation in the area of structural abnormalities compared with that in the normal-looking background on a per-lobe basis: pattern A consisted of isoattenuation or high attenuation in the WI period and isoattenuation in the WO period; pattern B, isoattenuation or high attenuation in the WI period and high attenuation in the WO period; pattern C, low attenuation in both the WI and WO periods; and pattern D, low attenuation in the WI period and isoattenuation or high attenuation in the WO period. Among various attenuation and xenon parameters, xenon parameters of the LAL in the WO period showed the best inverse correlation with results of PFT (P < .0001). At visual analysis, while emphysema (which affected 99 lobes) commonly showed pattern A or B, airway diseases such as obstructive bronchiolitis (n = 5) and bronchiectasis (n = 2) and areas with a mucus plug (n = 1) or centrilobular nodules (n = 5) showed pattern D or C. WI and WO xenon ventilation CT is feasible for the simultaneous regional evaluation of structural and ventilation abnormalities both quantitatively and qualitatively in patients with COPD.

Results from the first science run of ZEPLIN-III

ZEPLIN-III is a two-phase (liquid/gas) xenon time projection chamber designed to search for dark matter in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). Its active volume contains 12 kg of liquid above an array of 31 2-inch photomultipliers. The detector uses both scintillation and ionization produced in the liquid in order to discriminate between electron recoil background interactions and the nuclear recoils expected from the elastic scattering of WIMPs off the xenon nuclei. The first science run of ZEPLIN-III acquired 847 kg.days of raw data. An analysis of those data has excluded a WIMP-nucleon elastic scattering spin-independent cross section above 8.1×10-8 pb at 60 GeV/c2 WIMP mass and a WIMP-neutron spin-dependent cross section above 1.9 × 10-2 pb at 55 GeV/c2 both with a 90% confidence two-sided limit.

The XENON100 dark matter experiment at LNGS: Status and sensitivity

The XENON100 experiment aims at the direct detection of cold dark matter particles via their collisions with xenon nuclei. The detector is a two-phase xenon time projection chamber, with an active target mass of 65 kg, shielded by 105 kg of liquid xenon as scintillator veto. Additional passive shielding surrounds the target to reduce the gamma and neutron induced background. The experiment is located underground in the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) and is in the final stage of commissioning. I will summarize the status and sensitivity reach of the experiment, as well as the current plan for an upgrade.

Scintillation pulse shape discrimination in a two-phase xenon time projection chamber

The energy and electric field dependence of pulse shape discrimination in liquid xenon have been measured in a 10 g two-phase xenon time projection chamber. We have demonstrated the use of the pulse shape and charge-to-light ratio simultaneously to obtain a leakage below that achievable by either discriminant alone. A Monte Carlo is used to show that the dominant fluctuation in the pulse shape quantity is statistical in nature, and project the performance of these techniques in larger detectors. Although the performance is generally weak at low energies relevant to elastic WIMP recoil searches, the pulse shape can be used in probing for higher energy inelastic WIMP recoils.

Limits on the Spin-Dependent WIMP-Nucleon Cross Sections from the First Science Run of the ZEPLIN-III Experiment

We present new experimental constraints on the WIMP-nucleon spin-dependent elastic cross sections using data from the first science run of ZEPLIN-III, a two-phase xenon experiment searching for galactic dark matter weakly interacting massive particles based at the Boulby mine. Analysis of approximately 450 kg x days fiducial exposure allow us to place a 90%-confidence upper limit on the pure WIMP-neutron cross section of sigma(n)=1.9x10(-2) pb at 55 GeV/c(2) WIMP mass. Recent calculations of the nuclear spin structure based on the Bonn charge-dependent nucleon-nucleon potential were used for the odd-neutron isotopes 129Xe and 131Xe. These indicate that the sensitivity of xenon targets to the spin-dependent WIMP-proton interaction could be much lower than implied by previous calculations, whereas the WIMP-neutron sensitivity is impaired only by a factor of approximately 2.

Results from the first science run of the ZEPLIN-III dark matter search experiment

The ZEPLIN-III experiment in the Palmer Underground Laboratory at Boulby uses a 12 kg two-phase xenon time-projection chamber to search for the weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) that may account for the dark matter of our Galaxy. The detector measures both scintillation and ionization produced by radiation interacting in the liquid to differentiate between the nuclear recoils expected from WIMPs and the electron-recoil background signals down to ∼10keV nuclear-recoil energy. An analysis of 847kg•days of data acquired between February 27, 2008, and May 20, 2008, has excluded a WIMP-nucleon elastic scattering spin-independent cross section above 8.1×10-8pb at 60GeVc-2 with a 90% confidence limit. It has also demonstrated that the two-phase xenon technique is capable of better discrimination between electron and nuclear recoils at low-energy than previously achieved by other xenon-based experiments. © 2009 The American Physical Society.

Detection of reactor antineutrino coherent scattering off nuclei with a two-phase noble gas detector

Estimation of the signal amplitudes and counting rates for coherent scattering of reactor antineutrino off atomic nuclei in two-phase xenon and argon detectors has been done. A conceptual design of detector based on the existing technologies and experience has been proposed. It is shown that a condensed xenon/argon two-phase detector possesses the necessary sensitivity for the use in experiment on detection of coherent scattering of the reactor antineutrino off nuclei. It is shown that a two-phase detector with both optical readout by PMTs and ionisation readout by GEM/THGEM possesses superior capability for identification of the events of coherent antineutrino scattering.

Measurement of single electron emission in two-phase xenon

We present the first measurements of the electroluminescence response to the emission of single electrons in a two-phase noble gas detector. Single ionization electrons generated in liquid xenon are detected in a thin gas layer during the 31-day background run of the ZEPLIN-II experiment, a two-phase xenon detector for WIMP dark matter searches. Both the pressure dependence and magnitude of the single electron response are in agreement with previous measurements of electroluminescence yield in xenon. We discuss different photoionization processes as possible cause for the sample of single electrons studied in this work. This observation may have implications for the design and operation of future large-scale two-phase systems.

Limits on WIMP-nucleon cross-sections from the ZEPLIN-II data

Results are presented from ZEPLIN-II, the world-first 31 kg two-phase xenon dark matter detector. Discrimination between nuclear recoils and background electron recoils is achieved by recording both the scintillation and ionisation signals generated within the liquid xenon, with the ratio of these signals being different for the two classes of events. This ratio is calibrated for different incident species using neutron and γ-ray sources. Background populations of gamma-induced events and radon progeny events were observed in the data. An acceptance window, defined by the neutron calibration data, of 50% nuclear recoil acceptance between 5 keV and 20 keV electron equivalent energy, had an observed count of 29 events, with a summed expectation of 28.6±4.3 γ-ray and radon progeny induced background events. These figures provide a 90% CL upper limit to the number of nuclear recoils of 10.4 events in this acceptance window. This corresponds to a WIMP-nucleon spin-independent cross-section with a minimum of 6.6 × 10-7 pb, and to a WIMP neutron spin-dependent cross-section of 7 × 10-2 pb at a WIMP mass of around 65 GeV.

A two-phase xenon detector with gas amplification and electroluminescent signal detection

An optical technique for detecting ionization electrons produced during ionization of the liquid phase has been experimentally tested in two-phase (liquid-gas) xenon. The effects of gas and electroluminescent amplifications at the wire anode are simultaneously used for detection. This method allows construction of a supersensitive detector of small ionization signals—down to those corresponding to the detection of single electrons.

The ZEPLIN II dark matter detector: Data acquisition system and data reduction

ZEPLIN II is a two-phase (liquid/gas) xenon dark matter detector searching for WIMP-nucleon interactions. In this paper we describe the data acquisition system used to record the data from ZEPLIN II and the reduction procedures which parameterise the data for subsequent analysis.

3D Position Sensitive XeTPC for Dark Matter Search

The technique to realize 3D position sensitivity in a two-phase xenon time projection chamber (XeTPC) for dark matter search is described. Results from a prototype detector (XENON3) are presented.