Development of a Parallel-Plate Avalanche Counter with Optical Readout
  (O-PPAC)

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Abstract

We describe a novel gaseous detector concept for heavy-ion tracking and imaging: the Optical Parallel-Plate Avalanche Counter (O-PPAC). The detector consists of two thin parallel-plate electrodes separated by a small (typically 3 mm) gap filled with low-pressure scintillating gas (i.e. CF4). The localization of the impinging particles is achieved by recording the secondary scintillation, created during the avalanche processes within the gas gap, with dedicated position-sensitive optical readouts. The latter may comprise arrays of collimated photo-sensors (e.g. SiPMs) that surround the PPAC effective area. We present a systematic Monte Carlo simulation study used to optimize the geometry of the OPPAC components, including SiPMs effective area, collimator dimensions, and operational conditions. It was found that the optimal design for 10x10 cm^2 OPPAC detector comprises four arrays, each of them counting a total of 15-20 individual photo-sensors. This configuration provides a localization capability with a resolution below 1 mm and good response uniformity. An experimental investigation successfully demonstrated the proof of principle stage of an O-PPAC prototype equipped with a single array of 10 photo-sensors, separated by 6 mm. The performance of the prototype was investigated with an LED light, under 10-,12-C beam irradiation, and with a low-intensity 241-Am alpha-particle source. The experimental data obtained with the prototype is compared to the results obtained by systematic Monte Carlo simulations.

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Is Open Access

Liquid Xenon Detectors for Particle Physics and Astrophysics

T. Doke, E. Aprile (2009)

This article reviews the progress made over the last 20 years in the development and applications of liquid xenon detectors in particle physics, astrophysics and medical imaging experiments. We begin with a summary of the fundamental properties of liquid xenon as radiation detection medium, in light of the most current theoretical and experimental information. After a brief introduction of the different type of liquid xenon detectors, we continue with a review of past, current and future experiments using liquid xenon to search for rare processes and to image radiation in space and in medicine. We will introduce each application with a brief survey of the underlying scientific motivation and experimental requirements, before reviewing the basic characteristics and expected performance of each experiment. Within this decade it appears likely that large volume liquid xenon detectors operated in different modes will contribute to answering some of the most fundamental questions in particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, fulfilling the most demanding detection challenges. From experiments like MEG, currently the largest liquid xenon scintillation detector in operation, dedicated to the rare mu -> e + gamma decay, to the future XMASS which also exploits only liquid xenon scintillation to address an ambitious program of rare event searches, to the class of time projection chambers like XENON and EXO which exploit both scintillation and ionization of liquid xenon for dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay, respectively, we anticipate unrivaled performance and important contributions to physics in the next few years.