New detection concepts in noble-element TPCs

Abstract

The field of Rare Event Searches can count on a great ally: the Time Projection Chamber (TPC). Introduced by D. Nygren in the 70s, it was subsequently developed into different versions (dual-phase, gaseous with high pressure, liquid single-phase...). Despite all the technological advancements which already occurred, TPCs still have to adapt to more and more stringent requirements, as the experiments need more and more sensitivity. This implies a continuous R&D effort, which has driven this work, too. In particular, this thesis proposes some practical solutions to common problems encountered in TPCs: the development of two tunable resistive materials capable of spark protection in cryogenic conditions will be shown, together with results of their operation in a detector at 90 K; afterwards, a particular aspect of a local dual-phase concept (bubble-assisted LHMs) will be treated, that is, the dynamics of the gas pockets underneath the multiplication structure; the thesis will continue with a study of secondary scintillation of Ar/CF4 mixtures, relevant, among others, for high pressure TPCs such as the one proposed for the DUNE NDGAr detector; finally, the characterization of easily scalable, thick structures (FATGEMs) for electroluminescence with competitive light yields and energy resolutions will be presented.