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innovative STructures for improvEd Light colLection in ARgon-based TPCs

Project description

Advancing dark matter detection technologies

Detecting dark matter, one of the most profound mysteries in physics, requires highly sensitive instruments. Noble gas and liquid optical Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) have emerged as leading candidates for rare-event searches, but they face challenges in light collection efficiency, operational stability, and signal amplification. Recent technological developments, such as Negative Ion TPCs with optical readouts, underscore the need for advanced solutions. To address these challenges, the EU-funded STELLAR project focuses on developing innovative amplification structures using Micropattern Gas Detectors (MPGDs) enhanced with wavelength-shifting materials. By improving light collection and stability, STELLAR aims to enhance the performance of TPCs for dark matter searches and neutrino experiments, including DarkSide-LowMass and DUNE, potentially revolutionising detector technology.

Objective

STELLAR (innovative STructures for improvEd Light colLection in ARgon-based TPCs) goal is to boost the advancement of noble gas and liquid optical Time Projection Chamber (TPC) detectors for rare-event searches, with Dark Matter (DM) being one of the most compelling puzzles of todays fundamental physics. STELLAR plans to contribute to the development of novel amplification structures based on Micropattern Gas Detectors (MPGDs) technology incorporating wavelength-shifting materials, capable of providing improved light collection and greater operating stability at higher gains. STELLAR programme can further contribute to the understanding of underlying mechanisms of signal formation in TPCs, opening the possibility of studying the electron extraction efficiency and electroluminescence in electronegative gas mixtures. This is a specially relevant topic considering the recent technological developments observed in DM searches with the use of Negative Ion TPCs, eventually optically readout. It is anticipated that the floating wavelength-shifting Field-Assisted Gas Electron Multipliers (FAT-GEM) mechanical characteristics and performance, can be a valuable alternative to current amplification structures used in noble-element TPCs for DM searches, for instance DarkSide-LowMass, or currently planned for long baseline neutrino experiment DUNE.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01

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Coordinator

CENTRUM ASTRONOMICZNE IM. MIKOLAJA KOPERNIKA POLSKIEJ AKADEMII NAUK
Net EU contribution
€ 143 187,60
Address
Bartycka, 18
00-716 Warszawa
Poland
Region
Makroregion województwo mazowieckie Warszawski stołeczny Miasto Warszawa
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost
No data