Anode-Coupled Readout for Light Collection in Liquid Argon TPCs

This paper will discuss a new method of signal read-out from photon detectors in ultra-large, underground liquid argon time projection chambers. In this design, the signal from the light collection system is coupled via capacitive plates to the TPC wire-planes. This signal is then read out using the same cabling and electronics as the charge information. This greatly benefits light collection: it eliminates the need for an independent readout, substantially reducing cost; It reduces the number of cables in the vapor region of the TPC that can produce impurities; And it cuts down on the number of feed-throughs in the cryostat wall that can cause heat-leaks and potential points of failure. We present experimental results that demonstrate the sensitivity of a LArTPC wire plane to photon detector signals. We also simulate the effect of a 1 $\mu$s shaping time and a 2 MHz sampling rate on these signals in the presence of noise, and find that a single photoelectron timing resolution of $\sim$30 ns can be achieved.Comment: 16 pages, 15 figure

Improved TPB-coated Light Guides for Liquid Argon TPC Light Detection Systems

Scintillation light produced in liquid argon (LAr) must be shifted from 128 nm to visible wavelengths in light detection systems used for liquid argon time-projection chambers (LArTPCs). To date, LArTPC light collection systems have employed tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB) coatings on photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) or plates placed in front of the PMTs. Recently, a new approach using TPB-coated light guides was proposed. In this paper, we report on light guides with improved attenuation lengths above 100 cm when measured in air. This is an important step in the development of meter-scale light guides for future LArTPCs. Improvements come from using a new acrylic-based coating, diamond-polished cast UV transmitting acrylic bars, and a hand-dipping technique to coat the bars. We discuss a model for connecting bar response in air to response in liquid argon and compare this to data taken in liquid argon. The good agreement between the prediction of the model and the measured response in liquid argon demonstrates that characterization in air is sufficient for quality control of bar production. This model can be used in simulations of light guides for future experiments.Comment: 25 pages, 20 figure

Image-potential states on clean and hydrogen-covered Pd surfaces: Analysis of a one-dimensional model

Theoretical calculations in a one-dimensional model give the energies of surface states on clean and hydrogen-covered Pd surfaces in very good agreement with those measured by high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy and inverse photoemission experiments. Some general properties and the applicability of this class of one-dimensional models are discussed

Highly-ordered graphene for two dimensional electronics

With expanding interest in graphene-based electronics, it is crucial that high quality graphene films be grown. Sublimation of Si from the 4H-SiC(0001) Si-terminated) surface in ultrahigh vacuum is a demonstrated method to produce epitaxial graphene sheets on a semiconductor. In this paper we show that graphene grown from the SiC$(000\bar{1})$ (C-terminated) surface are of higher quality than those previously grown on SiC(0001). Graphene grown on the C-face can have structural domain sizes more than three times larger than those grown on the Si-face while at the same time reducing SiC substrate disorder from sublimation by an order of magnitude.Comment: Submitted to Appl. Phys. Let

Ellipsometry investigation of nucleation and growth of electron cyclotron resonance plasma deposited silicon films

The nucleation and initial growth of Si films is fundamental to the understanding and control of rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition (RTCVD), and plasma enhanced CVD(PECVD) processes. Herein is reported the nucleation and growth of Si deposited on oxidized silicon wafers by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) PECVD in the 600–700 °C temperature range, under low pressures, and using both in situspectroscopicellipsometry and single wavelength real‐time ellipsometry. An island growth and coalescence model is used to interpret the real‐time ellipsometry data. Initial nuclei distance and growth parameters are derived. Atomic force microscopy was used to observe the early stage of nucleation. In situspectroscopicellipsometry is used to measure the final Si film thicknesses and optical properties. The deposited Si films were characterized by cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy

The photomultiplier tube calibration system of the MicroBooNE experiment

We report on the design and construction of a LED-based fiber calibration system for large liquid argon time projection detectors. This system was developed to calibrate the optical systems of the MicroBooNE experiment. As well as detailing the materials and installation procedure, we provide technical drawings and specifications so that the system may be easily replicated in future LArTPC detectors.National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant PHY-1205175

Unoccupied surface states on Pd(111) observed in very-low-energy electron diffraction and inverse photoemission: Theoretical interpretation

A three-dimensional calculation of projected electronic bulk and surface bands, spanning the energies studied by inverse photoemission and very-low-energy electron diffraction, reveals that the surface-electronic states observed by the two techniques are indeed two distinct states. We discuss their true character and the question of effective masses, and briefly comment on the validity of one-dimensional models