Demonstration of a lightguide detector for liquid argon TPCs

Abstract

We report demonstration of light detection in liquid argon using an acrylic lightguide detector system. This opens the opportunity for development of an inexpensive, large-area light collection system for large liquid argon time projection chambers. The guides are constructed of acrylic with TPB embedded in a surface coating with a matching index of refraction. We study the response to early scintillation light produced by a 5.3 MeV αα. We measure coating responses from 7 to 8 PE on average, compared to an ideal expectation of 10 PE on average. We estimate the attenuation length of light along the lightguide bar to be greater than 0.5 m. The coating response and the attenuation length can be improved. As a benchmark of the present capability, we show a 30 paddle design meets the requirement of the MicroBooNE Experiment, which is efficient triggering on 40 MeV protons produced by neutrino neutral current elastic scatters.