Analysis of alpha backgrounds in the DEAP-1 detector

TL;DR

This paper analyzes alpha particle backgrounds in the DEAP-1 liquid argon detector, identifying sources from radon decay products and proposing methods for background reduction through event reconstruction and material purity control.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of alpha backgrounds in DEAP-1 and strategies for their mitigation in future large-scale detectors.

Findings

Identification of radon daughter sources within the detector

Methods for background reduction via event position reconstruction

Material purity controls to minimize alpha backgrounds

Abstract

DEAP-1 is a 7 kg liquid argon dark matter detector used to prototype the tonne scale DEAP-3600 detector at SNOLAB.We present an analysis of the alpha particle backgrounds in DEAP-1 and isolate the radiations from various 222Rn daughters at various locations within the detector. The backgrounds will be removed by event position reconstruction and strict controls of material purity.