Cryogenic RPWELL: a novel charge-readout element for dual-phase argon TPCs

Abstract

The first operation of a cryogenic Resistive Plate WELL (RPWELL) detector in the saturated vapor of liquid argon is reported. The RPWELL detector was composed of a Thick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM) electrode coupled to a metallic anode via Fe${}_2$O${}_3$/YSZ ceramics (Fe${}_2$O${}_3$ in weight equal to 75$\%$), with tunable bulk resistivity in the range 10${}^9$ - 10${}^{12}$ $\Omega \cdot$cm. The detector was operated at liquid argon temperature in saturated argon vapor (90~K, 1.2~bar) and characterized in terms of its effective charge gain and stability against discharges. Maximum stable gain of G$\approx$17 was obtained, without discharges. In addition, preliminary results from novel 3D-printed thermoplastic plates doped with carbon nanotubes are presented.