Next-Generation Liquid-Scintillator-Based Detectors: Quantums Dots and Picosecond Timing

TL;DR

This paper discusses advancements in liquid-scintillator detectors, focusing on quantum dots and picosecond timing to enhance particle detection and directionality, potentially benefiting various physics experiments.

Contribution

It introduces novel liquid scintillators and photo-detection technologies that enable particle direction measurement alongside energy, advancing detector capabilities.

Findings

Quantum dots improve scintillator performance

Picosecond timing enables precise particle directionality

Enhanced detectors could impact multiple physics searches

Abstract

Liquid-scintillator-based detectors are a robust technology that scales well to large volumes. For this reason, they are attractive for experiments searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay. A combination of improved photo-detection technology and novel liquid scintillators may allow for the extraction of particle direction in addition to the total energy of the particle. Such an advance would find applications beyond searches for neutrinoless double-beta decay.