Reducing DRIFT Backgrounds with a Submicron Aluminized-Mylar Cathode

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that using a submicron aluminized-mylar cathode significantly reduces background events caused by alpha decays in the DRIFT-IId dark matter detector, enabling near-background-free operation.

Contribution

The study introduces a new thin-film aluminized-mylar cathode that drastically lowers alpha-induced backgrounds, improving dark matter detection sensitivity.

Findings

Background rate reduced from 500/day to 1/day.

Cathode contamination measured at 3.3 ppt U-234 and 73 ppb U-238.

Alpha decay suppression factor of 70 compared to previous cathodes.

Abstract

Background events in the DRIFT-IId dark matter detector, mimicking potential WIMP signals, are predominantly caused by alpha decays on the central cathode in which the alpha particle is completely or partially absorbed by the cathode material. We installed a 0.9 micron thick aluminized-mylar cathode as a way to reduce the probability of producing these backgrounds. We study three generations of cathode (wire, thin-film, and radiologically clean thin-film) with a focus on the ratio of background events to alpha decays. Two independent methods of measuring the absolute alpha decay rate are used to ensure an accurate result, and agree to within $10\%$. Using alpha range spectroscopy, we measure the radiologically cleanest cathode version to have a contamination of $3.3\pm0.1$ ppt $^{234}$U and $73\pm2$ ppb $^{238}$U. This cathode reduces the probability of producing an RPR from an alpha decay by a factor of $70\pm20$ compared to the original stainless steel wire cathode. First results are presented from a texturized version of the cathode, intended to be even more transparent to alpha particles. These efforts, along with other background reduction measures, have resulted in a drop in the observed background rate from 500/day to 1/day. With the recent implementation of full-volume fiducialization, these remaining background events are identified, allowing for background-free operation.