First demonstration of long-distance electron drift in liquid xenon with the Xenoscope time projection chamber

Abstract

Xenoscope is a dual-phase xenon time projection chamber operated at the University of Zurich to investigate electron transport over distances relevant to the next-generation XLZD (XENON-LUX-ZEPLIN-DARWIN) observatory. We demonstrate electron drift over $2.6$ m in liquid xenon using cosmic-muon-induced ionization signals. External muon tagging provides a timing reference for charge produced at known depths, while the endpoint of the average electroluminescence waveform probes transport over the full drift length. We measure electron drift velocities of $(1.320\pm 0.006)$ mm/$\mu$s at $(80.92\pm 0.36)$ V/cm and $(1.436\pm 0.001)$ mm/$\mu$s at $(96.00\pm 0.42)$ V/cm. These results establish detectable charge transport over meter-scale distances and provide an experimental benchmark for the development of future large liquid-xenon time projection chambers.

arXiv comment11 pages, 11 figures