Photon Detection System Designs for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment

TL;DR

The paper discusses the design and preliminary performance of photon detection systems for the DUNE experiment, aiming to improve timing and sensitivity for neutrino detection using innovative light guide and photomultiplier technologies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel photon detection system design for DUNE, combining plastic light guides with wavelength-shifting compounds and silicon photomultipliers, along with performance evaluations.

Findings

Baseline design shows promising performance in capturing scintillation light.

Alternative designs could significantly enhance sensitivity to low-energy neutrino interactions.

Preliminary measurements validate the effectiveness of the proposed photon detection approach.

Abstract

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a premier facility for exploring long-standing questions about the boundaries of the standard model. Acting in concert with the liquid argon time projection chambers underpinning the far detector design, the DUNE photon detection system will capture ultraviolet scintillation light in order to provide valuable timing information for event reconstruction. To maximize the active area while maintaining a small photocathode coverage, the experiment will utilize a design based on plastic light guides coated with a wavelength-shifting compound, along with silicon photomultipliers, to collect and record scintillation light from liquid argon. This report presents recent preliminary performance measurements of this baseline design and several alternative designs which promise significant improvements in sensitivity to low-energy interactions.