Demonstration of the light collection stability of a PEN-based wavelength shifting reflector in a tonne scale liquid argon detector
Journal
Journal of Instrumentation
Journal Volume
20
Journal Issue
05
Start Page
C05033
ISSN
1748-0221
Date Issued
2025-05-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Liquid argon detectors rely on wavelength shifters for efficient detection of scintillation light. The current standard is tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB), but it is challenging to instrument on a large scale. Poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PEN), a polyester easily manufactured as thin sheets, could simplify the coverage of large surfaces with wavelength shifters. Previous measurements have shown that commercial grades of PEN have approximately 50% light conversion efficiency relative to TPB. Encouraged by these results, we conducted a large-scale measurement using 4 m2 combined PEN and specular reflector foils in a two-tonne liquid argon dewar to assess its stability over approximately two weeks. This test is crucial for validating PEN as a viable substitute for TPB. The setup used for the measurement of the stability of PEN as a wavelength shifter is described, together with the first results, showing no evidence of performance deterioration over a period of 12 days.
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Type
journal article