Electron lifetime measurement in a liquid xenon ionization chamber with the signal-shape analysis method

Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR). Biblioteca Centrale / CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle RichercheSIGLEITItal

A large liquid xenon time projection chamber for the study of the radiative pion decay

A 64 1 liquid xenon TPC has been operated for the detection and measurement of the low energy gamma rays from the decay pi(+) --> mu(+) + nu + gamma. We present a detailed description of the chamber, the readout electronics and data acquisition together with the measurement of the liquid xenon purity and time stability obtained during a period of about two months. The electron lifetime was always longer than 2.7 ms (95% C.L.) and no deterioration of the liquid purity has been observed. Such a purity level and stability have never been previously reported for a large volume liquid xenon chamber, making this technique mature for physical applications