Centers and Institutes
Published February 8, 2024 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Design and performance of the field cage for the XENONnT experiment

Creators

  • 1. Columbia University
  • 2. Kamioka Observatory
  • 3. Sorbonne Université
  • 4. Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster
  • 5. INAF-Astrophysical Observatory of Torino
  • 6. Nikhef
  • 7. Stockholm University
  • 8. University of Chicago
  • 9. New York University Abu Dhabi
  • 10. University of Zürich
  • 11. Purdue University
  • 12. Université de Nantes
  • 13. University of Bologna
  • 14. Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik
  • 15. Universität Freiburg

Description

The precision in reconstructing events detected in a dual-phase time projection chamber depends on an homogeneous and well understood electric field within the liquid target. In the XENONnT TPC the field homogeneity is achieved through a double-array field cage, consisting of two nested arrays of field shaping rings connected by an easily accessible resistor chain. Rather than being connected to the gate electrode, the topmost field shaping ring is independently biased, adding a degree of freedom to tune the electric field during operation. Two-dimensional finite element simulations were used to optimize the field cage, as well as its operation. Simulation results were compared to 83mKr calibration data. This comparison indicates an accumulation of charge on the panels of the TPC which is constant over time, as no evolution of the reconstructed position distribution of events is observed. The simulated electric field was then used to correct the charge signal for the field dependence of the charge yield. This correction resolves the inconsistent measurement of the drift electron lifetime when using different calibrations sources and different field cage tuning voltages.

Notes

Due to the large number of authors, only the first 20 and the University of Chicago authors are included on the above author list. Please download the article for the complete list of authors.

Data availability

This manuscript has no associated data or the data will not be deposited. [Authors' comment: The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.]

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Design-and-performance-of-the-field-cage-for-the-XENONnT-experiment.pdf

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Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1140/epjc/s10052-023-12296-y
Other
oai:uchicago.tind.io:10940

Funding

European Union
Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant
SCOAP3

UChicago Information

Division(s)
Physical Sciences Division
Department(s)
Physics
Center(s) or Institute(s)
Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics