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

Scintillation light from liquid argon is produced at 128 nm and thus must be shifted to visible wavelengths in light detection systems used for Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers (LArTPCs). To date, designs 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 show that the response of lightguides coated with TPB in a UV Transmitting (UVT) acrylic matrix is very similar to that of a coating using a polystyrene (PS) matrix. We obtain a factor of three higher light yield than has been previously reported from lightguides. This paper provides information on the response of the lightguides so that these can be modeled in simulations for future LArTPCs. This paper also identifies areas of R&D for potential improvements in the lightguide respons

On two weak CC Delta production models

We perform a detail analysis of two models of neutrino CC Delta production on free nucleons. First model is a standard one based on nucleon-Delta transition current with several form-factors. Second model is a starting point for a construction of Marteau model with sophisticated analytical computations of nuclear effects. We conclude that both models lead to similar results.Comment: 9 pages, includes 9 figures, accepted for publication in J. Phys.

New Measurements of Nucleon Structure Functions from the CCFR/NuTeV Collaboration

We report on the extraction of the structure functions F_2 and Delta xF_3 = xF_3nu-xF_3nubar from CCFR neutrino-Fe and antineutrino-Fe differential cross sections. The extraction is performed in a physics model independent (PMI) way. This first measurement for Delta xF_3, which is useful in testing models of heavy charm production, is higher than current theoretical predictions. The F_2 (PMI) values measured in neutrino and muon scattering are in good agreement with the predictions of Next to Leading Order PDFs (using massive charm production schemes), thus resolving the long-standing discrepancy between the two sets of data.Comment: 5 pages. Presented by Arie Bodek at the CIPNAP2000 Conference, Quebec City, May 200

Environmental Effects on TPB Wavelength-Shifting Coatings

The scintillation detection systems of liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) require wavelength shifters to detect the 128 nm scintillation light produced in liquid argon. Tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB) is a fluorescent material that can shift this light to a wavelength of 425 nm, lending itself well to use in these detectors. We can coat the glass of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) with TPB or place TPB-coated plates in front of the PMTs. In this paper, we investigate the degradation of a chemical TPB coating in a laboratory or factory environment to assess the viability of long-term TPB film storage prior to its initial installation in an LArTPC. We present evidence for severe degradation due to common fluorescent lights and ambient sunlight in laboratories, with potential losses at the 40% level in the first day and eventual losses at the 80% level after a month of exposure. We determine the degradation is due to wavelengths in the UV spectrum, and we demonstrate mitigating methods for retrofitting lab and factory environments