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The liquid Argon TPC: a powerful detector for future neutrino experiments and proton decay searches (2005)
BibTeX
@MISC{A05theliquid,
author = {A. Ereditato A and A. Rubbia B},
title = {The liquid Argon TPC: a powerful detector for future neutrino experiments and proton decay searches},
year = {2005}
}
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Abstract
We discuss the possibility of new generation neutrino and astroparticle physics experiments exploiting the liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LAr TPC) technique, following a graded strategy that envisions applications with increasing detector masses (from 100 ton to 100 kton). The ICARUS R&D program has already demonstrated that the technology is mature with the test of the T600 detector at surface. Since 2003 we have been working with the conceptual design of a very large LAr TPC with a mass of 50-100 kton to be built by employing a monolithic technology based on the use of industrial, large volume, cryogenic tankers developed by the petro-chemical industry. Such a detector, if realized, would be an ideal match for a Super Beam, Beta Beam or Neutrino Factory, covering a broad physics program that includes the detection of atmospheric, solar and supernova neutrinos, and searches for proton decay, in addition to the rich accelerator neutrino physics program. A ”test module ” with a mass of the order of 10 kton operated underground or at shallow depth would represent a necessary milestone towards the realization of the 100 kton detector, with an interesting physics program on its own. In parallel, physics is calling for a shorter scale application of the LAr TPC technique at the level of 100 ton mass, for low energy neutrino physics and for use as a near station setup in future long baseline neutrino facilities. We outline here the main physics objectives and the design of such a detector for operation in the upcoming T2K neutrino beam. We finally present the result of a series of R&D studies conducted with the aim of validating the design of the proposed detectors. 1.
Keyphrases
liquid argon tpc proton decay search powerful detector future neutrino experiment cryogenic tanker new generation neutrino graded strategy low energy neutrino physic conceptual design liquid argon time projection chamber t600 detector near station setup broad physic program supernova neutrino petro-chemical industry shallow depth beta beam proton decay upcoming t2k neutrino beam main physic objective large volume ton mass necessary milestone kton detector large lar tpc lar tpc technique scale application 50-100 kton neutrino factory future long baseline neutrino facility ideal match test module envisions application lar tpc monolithic technology super beam icarus program interesting physic program detector mass rich accelerator neutrino physic program astroparticle physic experiment
