The ArgoNeuT Detector in the NuMI Low-Energy beam line at Fermilab

TL;DR

The paper describes the design, technical features, and initial data analysis of the ArgoNeuT liquid argon detector at Fermilab, highlighting its capabilities in neutrino detection and characterization.

Contribution

It provides a detailed account of the ArgoNeuT detector's layout, technical setup, commissioning, and initial data, advancing liquid argon TPC technology for neutrino experiments.

Findings

Successful collection of neutrino and antineutrino events

Measurement of ionization electron drift velocity and lifetime in liquid argon

First neutrino event displays from the detector

Abstract

The ArgoNeuT liquid argon time projection chamber has collected thousands of neutrino and antineutrino events during an extended run period in the NuMI beam-line at Fermilab. This paper focuses on the main aspects of the detector layout and related technical features, including the cryogenic equipment, time projection chamber, read-out electronics, and off-line data treatment. The detector commissioning phase, physics run, and first neutrino event displays are also reported. The characterization of the main working parameters of the detector during data-taking, the ionization electron drift velocity and lifetime in liquid argon, as obtained from through-going muon data complete the present report.