Development of an anti-Compton veto for HPGe detectors operated in liquid argon using Silicon Photo-Multipliers

TL;DR

This paper presents a proof-of-concept anti-Compton veto for HPGe detectors in liquid argon using Silicon Photo-Multipliers, demonstrating comparable efficiency to traditional PMT-based systems.

Contribution

It introduces a novel liquid argon veto system employing Silicon Photo-Multipliers and wavelength shifting fibers, enhancing light collection for germanium detectors.

Findings

Veto efficiency comparable to PMT-based setups.

Studied MPPC properties at cryogenic temperatures.

Implemented wavelength shifting fibers to improve light collection.

Abstract

A proof of concept detector is presented for scintillation light detection in liquid argon using Silicon Photo-Multipliers. The aim of the work is to build an anti-Compton veto for germanium detectors operated directly in liquid argon like in the GERDA experiment. Properties of the Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC) are studied at cryogenic temperatures. To increase the light collection efficiency of the MPPCs wavelength shifting fibers were used. A veto efficiency comparable to a similar setup with a Photo-Multiplier Tube was achieved.