Matteucci, Giuseppe (2025) DarkSide Proto-0: A Compact LArTPC for Electroluminescence Studies Toward DarkSide-20k. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

DarkSide-20k (DS-20k) is an experiment dedicated to the direct search for WIMP dark matter, located deep underground at LNGS. It employs a 50-ton (20-ton fiducial) two-phase argon Time Projection Chamber (TPC), designed to improve upon the zero background result obtained by its predecessor, DarkSide-50 (DS-50), by several orders of magnitude, and possibly detect dark matter in an ultra-low background detector. In tris context, DarkSide Proto-0 (Proto-0) is a compact two-phase argon TPC built as a prototype for DS-20k, with the purpose of validating, on a smaller scale, many of the novel technologies implemented in the full detector. Among these are the innovative material choices made to satisfy the ultra-low background requirements, such as the use of ultra-pure acrylic for the TPC structure and transparent conductive polymer coatings to generate the electric fields required for TPC operation. Moreover, Proto-0 serves as a validation platform for the Photon Detection Unit (PDU) technology, a novel large-area silicon-based photon detector developed for DS-20k to instrument its 26 m2 of active optical surface. Proto-0 employs two PDUs for its optical readout and can assess their performance and long-term stability in an environment similar to that of the final detector. The main objectives in this context are to characterize signal formation in a two-phase argon TPC and to monitor the long-term performance of the photon detection system. A distinctive feature of Proto-0 is its flexible TPC geometry, with independently movable components that allow fine control over the detector configuration. This design enables detailed studies for the geometrical optimization of the ionization signal (S2), providing essential input for the fine optimization design of the DS-20k TPC during construction. The first cryogenic data-taking campaign was performed using a custom-designed setup that integrated argon condensation, recirculation, and purification systems to ensure high-purity liquid argon and a stable cryogenic environment for detector operation. The data collected with Proto-0 provided valuable insights into the optimization of S2 signal production and confirmed the performance of several novel technologies, directly informing the final design of the DS-20k TPC and supporting the development of future two-phase detectors.

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