Showing 1–31 of 31 results for author: Di Marco, E

The CYGNO experiment: a gaseous TPC with optical readout for rare events searches

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni, A. Messina , et al. (17 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO collaboration is developing a novel strategy for directional Dark Matter searches based on a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC). The detector is optimized for the exploration of light (0.5-50 GeV) WIMPs-like particles and employs a He/CF4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure, sensitive to both spin-dependent and spin-independent interactions. A key feature of the project is its optical… ▽ More The CYGNO collaboration is developing a novel strategy for directional Dark Matter searches based on a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC). The detector is optimized for the exploration of light (0.5-50 GeV) WIMPs-like particles and employs a He/CF4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure, sensitive to both spin-dependent and spin-independent interactions. A key feature of the project is its optical readout, which relies on photon detection rather than charge collection. In CYGNO detectors, electrons released by ionizing tracks drift toward an amplification stage of three Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs). The electron avalanches generate scintillation light that is captured by scientific CMOS (sCMOS) cameras for high-resolution two-dimensional imaging and by Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) that provide a precise time profile along the drift direction. This allows a 3D event reconstruction, detailed energy deposition mapping, and effective topology and head-to-tail discrimination. Building on the achievements of the 50 L prototype (LIME), which successfully operated underground at LNGS, the next step is the deployment of a 0.4 m3 demonstrator, CYGNO-04, to be completed in 2026. The demonstrator will validate scalability and confirm the advantages of the proposed technique. Recent results from LIME highlight strong progress in 3D tracking and particle identification. The current status of CYGNO-04 and its role in advancing the program will be presented as well. △ Less

Submitted 23 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Upgrade of the Trigger and Data Acquisition System for Continuous Imaging and Multi-Camera Operation in CYGNO

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment employs an optical readout to image particle interactions in a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC), combining cameras and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to achieve high spatial resolution and timing information. This approach enables detailed track reconstruction but poses significant challenges for data acquisition, particularly in view of the next experimental phase, CYGNO-0… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment employs an optical readout to image particle interactions in a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC), combining cameras and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to achieve high spatial resolution and timing information. This approach enables detailed track reconstruction but poses significant challenges for data acquisition, particularly in view of the next experimental phase, CYGNO-04, which will operate multiple cameras simultaneously. In this paper, we present an upgrade of the CYGNO Trigger and Data Acquisition (T-DAQ) system, developed starting from the LIME configuration and validated on the MANGO prototype. The upgrade introduces a continuous imaging acquisition mode, substantially reducing the camera dead time, together with an extended trigger time-tagging scheme that provides a robust global time reference for PMT signals. A synchronous multi-camera DAQ architecture is also implemented and tested, enabling coordinated operation of multiple optical sensors without a master camera. The performance of the upgraded system is validated through dedicated tests, demonstrating stable continuous acquisition, reliable time-tagging, and consistent synchronization across multiple cameras. These results establish a solid and scalable foundation for the CYGNO-04 DAQ and represent a key step toward efficient data acquisition in future large-scale optical TPC detectors. △ Less

Submitted 16 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

First Optical Observation of Negative Ion Drift at Surface Pressure

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Di Giambattista, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, H. P. Lima Jr., G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first observation of Negative Ion Drift (NID) at surface pressure of $900 \pm 7$ mbar at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in a He:CF$_4$:SF$_6$ mixture using an optically read out Time Projection Chamber (TPC) within the CYGNO/INITIUM project. We present the first PMT waveform analysis in the NID regime, interpreting the temporal light pattern through a model that combines track g… ▽ More We report the first observation of Negative Ion Drift (NID) at surface pressure of $900 \pm 7$ mbar at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in a He:CF$_4$:SF$_6$ mixture using an optically read out Time Projection Chamber (TPC) within the CYGNO/INITIUM project. We present the first PMT waveform analysis in the NID regime, interpreting the temporal light pattern through a model that combines track geometry and charge transport. The inferred drift velocities correspond to mobilities of O(cm$^2$ V$^{-1}$ s$^{-1}$), consistent with negative ion transport. The observed linear scaling of the time extension mean with drift distance reveals the presence of a faster minority charge carrier population in addition to the dominant SF$_6^-$ species, drifting at a $\sim$25\% higher velocity under external inputs. These results demonstrate multi-species negative ion drift operation at surface pressure in a He:CF$_4$:SF$_6$ mixture and open a concrete path toward large scale, low diffusion optical TPCs for rare event searches. △ Less

Submitted 6 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 6 pages, 3 figures + Supplemental Material (9 pages, 3 figures). Submitted to Physical Review Letters

Trigger Optimization and Event Classification for Dark Matter Searches in the CYGNO Experiment Using Machine Learning

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni , et al. (18 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment employs an optical-readout Time Projection Chamber (TPC) to search for rare low-energy interactions using finely resolved scintillation images. While the optical readout provides rich topological information, it produces large, sparse megapixel images that challenge real-time triggering, data reduction, and background discrimination. We summarize two complementary machine-le… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment employs an optical-readout Time Projection Chamber (TPC) to search for rare low-energy interactions using finely resolved scintillation images. While the optical readout provides rich topological information, it produces large, sparse megapixel images that challenge real-time triggering, data reduction, and background discrimination. We summarize two complementary machine-learning approaches developed within CYGNO. First, we present a fast and fully unsupervised strategy for online data reduction based on reconstruction-based anomaly detection. A convolutional autoencoder trained exclusively on pedestal images (i.e. frames acquired with GEM amplification disabled) learns the detector noise morphology and highlights particle-induced structures through localized reconstruction residuals, from which compact Regions of Interest (ROIs) are extracted. On real prototype data, the selected configuration retains (93.0 +/- 0.2)% of reconstructed signal intensity while discarding (97.8 +/- 0.1)% of the image area, with ~25 ms per-frame inference time on a consumer GPU. Second, we report a weakly supervised application of the Classification Without Labels (CWoLa) framework to data acquired with an Americium--Beryllium neutron source. Using only mixed AmBe and standard datasets (no event-level labels), a convolutional classifier learns to identify nuclear-recoil-like topologies. The achieved performance approaches the theoretical limit imposed by the mixture composition and isolates a high-score population with compact, approximately circular morphologies consistent with nuclear recoils. △ Less

Submitted 23 March, 2026; v1 submitted 28 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 6 pages, 1 figure. Proceedings of 14th Young Researcher Meeting (14YRM2025). Published in PoS(14YRM2025)003 (2026); updated to match published version

Journal ref: PoS(14YRM2025)003 (2026)

Simulation of the CYGNO Gaseous TPC Optical Readout

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Gaseous Time Projection Chambers with Optical Readout are sensitive detectors suitable for 3D measurement of low-energy O(1 keV) particles and are proposed for detecting rare events such as Dark Matter particle interactions. The CYGNO collaboration is developing such a detector with a high spatial and energy resolution, leveraging an innovative optical readout system. A reliable simulation of the… ▽ More Gaseous Time Projection Chambers with Optical Readout are sensitive detectors suitable for 3D measurement of low-energy O(1 keV) particles and are proposed for detecting rare events such as Dark Matter particle interactions. The CYGNO collaboration is developing such a detector with a high spatial and energy resolution, leveraging an innovative optical readout system. A reliable simulation of the detector response is needed to properly assess the physics reach of this technique and to better understand the performance of the detector in the development phase. Such a simulation cannot entirely rely on existing software packages; indeed, none of the available tools is capable of properly and reliably treating the different phenomena occurring in the detector, from the primary interaction in the gas volume throughout the whole detector response model, including charge transport, light production and propagation, and the response of the optical sensors. In this paper, we present a modeling of the detector response tuned on the CYGNO Optical TPC case; a description of the method is reported together with comparisons with experimental data from the LIME prototype to demonstrate the simulation performances. △ Less

Submitted 4 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Fast reconstruction-based ROI triggering via anomaly detection in the CYGNO optical TPC

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr., G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Optical-readout Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) produce megapixel-scale images whose fine-grained topological information is essential for rare-event searches, but whose size challenges real-time data selection. We present an unsupervised, reconstruction-based anomaly-detection strategy for fast Region-of-Interest (ROI) extraction that operates directly on minimally processed camera frames. A conv… ▽ More Optical-readout Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) produce megapixel-scale images whose fine-grained topological information is essential for rare-event searches, but whose size challenges real-time data selection. We present an unsupervised, reconstruction-based anomaly-detection strategy for fast Region-of-Interest (ROI) extraction that operates directly on minimally processed camera frames. A convolutional autoencoder trained exclusively on pedestal images learns the detector noise morphology without labels, simulation, or fine-grained calibration. Applied to standard data-taking frames, localized reconstruction residuals identify particle-induced structures, from which compact ROIs are extracted via thresholding and spatial clustering. Using real data from the CYGNO optical TPC prototype, we compare two pedestal-trained autoencoder configurations that differ only in their training objective, enabling a controlled study of its impact. The best configuration retains (93.0 +/- 0.2)% of reconstructed signal intensity while discarding (97.8 +/- 0.1)% of the image area, with an inference time of approximately 25 ms per frame on a consumer GPU. The results demonstrate that careful design of the training objective is critical for effective reconstruction-based anomaly detection and that pedestal-trained autoencoders provide a transparent and detector-agnostic baseline for online data reduction in optical TPCs. △ Less

Submitted 8 April, 2026; v1 submitted 30 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 15 pages, 7 figures, Accepted for publication in IOP Machine Learning: Science and Technology

Journal ref: Machine Learning: Science and Technology (2026)

Characterization of cutting-edge CMOS Active Pixel sensors within the CYGNO Experiment

Authors: B. D. Almeida, F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, E. Dane, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. Dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr., G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano , et al. (21 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Time Projection Chambers equipped with Gas Electron Multipliers and optical readout by scientific CMOS cameras are a promising technology for low-energy particle detection, as demonstrated by the CYGNO experiment. To help identify the optimal CYGNO detector configuration, we performed a detailed characterization of two state-of-the-art scientific CMOS sensors, focusing on dark-signal behavior acro… ▽ More Time Projection Chambers equipped with Gas Electron Multipliers and optical readout by scientific CMOS cameras are a promising technology for low-energy particle detection, as demonstrated by the CYGNO experiment. To help identify the optimal CYGNO detector configuration, we performed a detailed characterization of two state-of-the-art scientific CMOS sensors, focusing on dark-signal behavior across different exposure times and on detection sensitivity, assessed using the well-defined X-ray emissions from a 55Fe source, which reproduce the low-light conditions expected in CYGNO. CYGNO currently employs a very low-noise Hamamatsu sensor, the ORCA-Fusion, for testing and validation of its detection system. Hamamatsu has recently introduced two new sensors that may be of interest for future upgrades. The first is an improved version of the current model, the ORCA-Fusion-BT, featuring a back-illuminated design that reaches a quantum efficiency of up to 95% at 550 nm. The second is a next-generation sensor, the ORCA-Quest. Although its peak quantum efficiency is not as high as that of the Fusion-BT, it offers high sensitivity over a broader spectral range, extending into the ultraviolet region, and provides ultra-low readout noise of 0.27 electrons, about 2.6 times lower than that of the Fusion family. These two sensors therefore represent a significant opportunity to enhance the performance of scientific experiments, including those conducted by the CYGNO collaboration. This document presents a comprehensive characterization of these sensors to evaluate their relevance for experiments operating in photon-limited environments and their suitability for integration into the CYGNO detector system. △ Less

Submitted 1 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 20 pages and 17 figures

Validation of field cage and cathode for low radioactivity operation with the CYGNO experiment

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, A. Biondi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, E. Danè, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano , et al. (26 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Dark matter, which is considered to account for approximately the 27% of the Universe's energy-mass content, remains an open issue in modern particle physics along with its composition. The CYGNO Experiment aims to exploit an innovative approach applied to the direct detection search of low energy nuclear recoils possibly induced by cold particle-like dark matter candidates. CYGNO employs a direct… ▽ More Dark matter, which is considered to account for approximately the 27% of the Universe's energy-mass content, remains an open issue in modern particle physics along with its composition. The CYGNO Experiment aims to exploit an innovative approach applied to the direct detection search of low energy nuclear recoils possibly induced by cold particle-like dark matter candidates. CYGNO employs a directional detector based on a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) filled with a He:CF$_{4}$ gas mixture and equipped with an optical readout. Currently, the CYGNO Collaboration is constructing the detector demonstrator, CYGNO-04, in Hall F at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS). This 0.4 m$^3$ detector has the goal of proving the scalability of the technology and assessing the physics and radiopurity capabilities. Given the low radioactivity requirements, especially in internal components such as field cage and cathode, the reduction of material while keeping the correct electrical behavior is paramount. In this paper, we present the validation of several internal components, mainly focusing on the field cage material and support structure. The tests included geometrical asymmetries in the electric field response, collection efficiency as well as measurement of known physical quantities. A preferred configuration is found with a structure based on Nylon material which supports a PET or Kapton sheet with copper strips deposited on. △ Less

Submitted 27 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Bayesian network 3D event reconstruction in the Cygno optical TPC for dark matter direct detection

Authors: Fernando Domingues Amaro, Rita Antonietti, Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Francesco Borra, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Caponero, Gianluca Cavoto, Igor Abritta Costa, Antonio Croce, Emiliano Dané, Melba D'Astolfo, Giorgio Dho, Flaminia Di Giambattista, Emanuele Di Marco, Giulia D'Imperio, Matteo Folcarelli, Joaquim Marques Ferreira dos Santos, Davide Fiorina, Francesco Iacoangeli, Zahoor Ul Islam, Herman Pessoa Lima Júnior, Ernesto Kemp, Giovanni Maccarrone , et al. (28 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment is developing a high-resolution gaseous Time Projection Chamber with optical readout for directional dark matter searches. The detector uses a helium-tetrafluoromethane (He:CF$_4$ 60:40) gas mixture at atmospheric pressure and a triple Gas Electron Multiplier amplification stage, coupled with a scientific camera for high-resolution 2D imaging and fast photomultipliers for time… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment is developing a high-resolution gaseous Time Projection Chamber with optical readout for directional dark matter searches. The detector uses a helium-tetrafluoromethane (He:CF$_4$ 60:40) gas mixture at atmospheric pressure and a triple Gas Electron Multiplier amplification stage, coupled with a scientific camera for high-resolution 2D imaging and fast photomultipliers for time-resolved scintillation light detection. This setup enables 3D event reconstruction: photomultipliers signals provide depth information, while the camera delivers high-precision transverse resolution. In this work, we present a Bayesian Network-based algorithm designed to reconstruct the events using only the photomultipliers signals, yielding a full 3D description of the particle trajectories. The algorithm models the light collection process probabilistically and estimates spatial and intensity parameters on the Gas Electron Multiplier plane, where light emission occurs. It is implemented within the Bayesian Analysis Toolkit and uses Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling for posterior inference. Validation using data from the CYGNO LIME prototype shows accurate reconstruction of localized and extended tracks. Results demonstrate that the Bayesian approach enables robust 3D description and, when combined with camera data, further improves the precision of track reconstruction. This methodology represents a significant step forward in directional dark matter detection, enhancing the identification of nuclear recoil tracks with high spatial resolution. △ Less

Submitted 11 November, 2025; v1 submitted 5 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 85, 1261 (2025)

Modeling the light response of an optically readout GEM based TPC for the CYGNO experiment

Authors: Fernando Dominques Amaro, Rita Antonietti, Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Roberto Campagnola, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Caponero, Gianluca Cavoto, Igor Abritta Costa, Antonio Croce, Emiliano Danè, Melba D'Astolfo, Giorgio Dho, Flaminia Di Giambattista, Emanuele Di Marco, Giulia D'Imperio, Joaquim Marques Ferreira dos Santos, Davide Fiorina, Francesco Iacoangeli, Zahoor Ul Islam, Herman Pessoa Lima Junior, Ernesto Kemp, Francesca Lewis, Giovanni Maccarrone , et al. (34 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The use of gaseous Time Projection Chambers enables the detection and the detailed study of rare events due to particles interactions with the atoms of the gas with energy releases as low as a few keV. Due to this capability, these instruments are being developed for applications in the field of astroparticle physics, such as the study of dark matter and neutrinos. To readout events occurring in t… ▽ More The use of gaseous Time Projection Chambers enables the detection and the detailed study of rare events due to particles interactions with the atoms of the gas with energy releases as low as a few keV. Due to this capability, these instruments are being developed for applications in the field of astroparticle physics, such as the study of dark matter and neutrinos. To readout events occurring in the sensitive volume with a high granularity, the CYGNO collaboration is developing a solution where the light generated during the avalanche processes occurring in a multiplication stage based on Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) is read out by optical sensors with very high sensitivity and spatial resolution. To achieve a high light output, gas gain values of the order of $10^5\text{-}10^6$ are needed. Experimentally, a dependence of the detector response on the spatial density of the charge collected in the GEM holes has been observed, indicating a gain-reduction effect likely caused by space-charge buildup within the multiplication channels. This paper presents data collected with a prototype featuring a sensitive volume of about two liters, together with a model developed by the collaboration to describe and predict the gain dependence on charge density. A comparison with experimental data shows that the model accurately reproduces the gain behaviour over nearly one order of magnitude, with a percent-level precision. △ Less

Submitted 19 February, 2026; v1 submitted 9 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Enhancing the light yield of He:CF$_4$ based gaseous detector

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, R. Campagnola, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, D. S. Cardoso, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. Abritta Costa, A. Croce, E. Dané, G. Dho, F. Di Giambattista, E. Di Marco, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, H. P. L. Jùnior, E. Kemp, G. Maccarrone , et al. (29 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment aims to build a large ($\mathcal{O}(10)$ m$^3$) directional detector for rare event searches, such as nuclear recoils (NRs) induced by dark matter (DM), such as weakly interactive massive particles (WIMPs). The detector concept comprises a time projection chamber (TPC), filled with a He:CF$_4$ 60/40 scintillating gas mixture at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, equipp… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment aims to build a large ($\mathcal{O}(10)$ m$^3$) directional detector for rare event searches, such as nuclear recoils (NRs) induced by dark matter (DM), such as weakly interactive massive particles (WIMPs). The detector concept comprises a time projection chamber (TPC), filled with a He:CF$_4$ 60/40 scintillating gas mixture at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, equipped with an amplification stage made of a stack of three gas electron multipliers (GEMs) which are coupled to an optical readout. The latter consists in scientific CMOS (sCMOS) cameras and photomultipliers tubes (PMTs). The maximisation of the light yield of the amplification stage plays a major role in the determination of the energy threshold of the experiment. In this paper, we simulate the effect of the addition of a strong electric field below the last GEM plane on the GEM field structure and we experimentally test it by means of a 10$\times$10 cm$^2$ readout area prototype. The experimental measurements analyse stacks of different GEMs and helium concentrations in the gas mixture combined with this extra electric field, studying their performances in terms of light yield, energy resolution and intrinsic diffusion. It is found that the use of this additional electric field permits large light yield increases without degrading intrinsic characteristics of the amplification stage with respect to the regular use of GEMs. △ Less

Submitted 4 November, 2024; v1 submitted 9 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: Correction of typos in Section 2 and 6. Improved quality of plots with some modifications to clarify the content

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 84, 1122 (2024)

Charge Amplification in Low Pressure CF4:SF6:He Mixtures with a Multi-Mesh ThGEM for Directional Dark Matter Searches

Authors: F. D. Amaro, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, F. Borra, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, D. S. Cardoso, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, T. Crane, E. Dane, M. DAstolfo, G. Dho, F. Di Giambattista, G. DImperio, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. Dos Santos, A. C. Ezeribe, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, H. P. Lima Junior, G. S. P. Lopes, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano , et al. (24 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO collaboration is developing next generation directional Dark Matter (DM) detection experiments, using gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs), as a robust method for identifying Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) below the Neutrino Fog. SF6 is potentially ideal for this since it provides a high fluorine content, enhancing sensitivity to spin-dependent interactions and, as a Neg… ▽ More The CYGNO collaboration is developing next generation directional Dark Matter (DM) detection experiments, using gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs), as a robust method for identifying Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) below the Neutrino Fog. SF6 is potentially ideal for this since it provides a high fluorine content, enhancing sensitivity to spin-dependent interactions and, as a Negative Ion Drift (NID) gas, reduces charge diffusion leading to improved positional resolution. CF4, although not a NID gas, has also been identified as a favourable gas target as it provides a scintillation signal which can be used for a complimentary light/charge readout approach. These gases can operate at low pressures to elongate Nuclear Recoil (NR) tracks and facilitate directional measurements. In principle, He could be added to low pressure SF6/CF4 without significant detriment to the length of 16S, 12C, and 19F recoils. This would improve the target mass, sensitivity to lower WIMP masses, and offer the possibility of atmospheric operation; potentially reducing the cost of a containment vessel. In this article, we present gas gain and energy resolution measurements, taken with a Multi-Mesh Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (MMThGEM), in low pressure SF6 and CF4:SF6 mixtures following the addition of He. We find that the CF4:SF6:He mixtures tested were able to produce gas gains on the order of 10^4 up to a total pressure of 100 Torr. These results demonstrate an order of magnitude improvement in charge amplification in NID gas mixtures with a He component. △ Less

Submitted 28 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: Corresponding Author: A.G. McLean

LIME -- a gas TPC prototype for directional Dark Matter search for the CYGNO experiment

Authors: Fernando Domingues Amaro, Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Caponero, Danilo Santos Cardoso, Gianluca Cavoto, André Cortez, Igor Abritta Costa, Emiliano Dané, Giorgio Dho, Flaminia Di Giambattista, Emanuele Di Marco, Giulia D'Imperio, Francesco Iacoangeli, Herman Pessoa Lima Junior, Guilherme Sebastiao Pinheiro Lopes, Giovanni Maccarrone, Rui Daniel Passos Mano, Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio, David José Gaspar Marques, Giovanni Mazzitelli, Alasdair Gregor McLean, Andrea Messina , et al. (22 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment aims at the development of a large gaseous TPC with GEM-based amplification and an optical readout by means of PMTs and scientific CMOS cameras for 3D tracking down to O(keV) energies, for the directional detection of rare events such as low mass Dark Matter and solar neutrino interactions. The largest prototype built so far towards the realisation of the CYGNO experiment demo… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment aims at the development of a large gaseous TPC with GEM-based amplification and an optical readout by means of PMTs and scientific CMOS cameras for 3D tracking down to O(keV) energies, for the directional detection of rare events such as low mass Dark Matter and solar neutrino interactions. The largest prototype built so far towards the realisation of the CYGNO experiment demonstrator is the 50 L active volume LIME, with 4 PMTs and a single sCMOS imaging a 33$\times$33 cm\textsuperscript{2} area for 50 cm drift, that has been installed in underground Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in February 2022. We will illustrate LIME performances as evaluated overground in Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati by means of radioactive X-ray sources, and in particular the detector stability, energy response and energy resolution. We will discuss the MC simulation developed to reproduce the detector response and show the comparison with actual data. We will furthermore examine the background simulation worked out for LIME underground data taking and illustrate the foreseen expected measurement and results in terms of natural and materials intrinsic radioactivity characterisation and measurement of the LNGS underground natural neutron flux. The results that will be obtained by underground LIME installation will be paramount in the optimisation of the CYGNO demonstrator, since this is foreseen to be composed by multiple modules with the same LIME dimensions and characteristics. △ Less

Submitted 29 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

The CYGNO experiment, a directional detector for direct Dark Matter searches

Authors: F. D. Amaro, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, D. S. Cardoso, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Dané, G. Dho, F. Di Giambattista, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, F. Iacoangeli, H. P. L. Jùnior, G. S. P. Lopes, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, R. R. M. Gregorio, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, A. G. McLean, A. Messina , et al. (22 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO project aims at the development of a high precision optical readout gaseous Tima Projection Chamber (TPC) for directional dark matter (DM) searches, to be hosted at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS). CYGNO employs a He:CF$_4$ gas mixture at atmospheric pressure with a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) based amplification structure coupled to an optical readout comprised of sCMOS cam… ▽ More The CYGNO project aims at the development of a high precision optical readout gaseous Tima Projection Chamber (TPC) for directional dark matter (DM) searches, to be hosted at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS). CYGNO employs a He:CF$_4$ gas mixture at atmospheric pressure with a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) based amplification structure coupled to an optical readout comprised of sCMOS cameras and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). This experimental setup allows to achieve 3D tracking and background rejection down to O(1) keV energy, to boost sensitivity to low WIMP masses. The characteristics of the optical readout approach in terms of the light yield will be illustrated along with the particle identification properties. The project timeline foresees, in the next 2-3 years, the realisation and installation of a 0.4 m$^3$ TPC in the underground laboratories at LNGS to act as a demonstrator. Finally, the studies of the expected DM sensitivities of the CYGNO demonstrator will be presented. △ Less

Submitted 7 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Comparative characterization study of LYSO:Ce crystals for timing applications

Authors: F. M. Addesa, P. Barria, R. Bianco, M. Campana, F. Cavallari, A. Cemmi, M. Cipriani, I. Dafinei, B. ď Orsi, D. del Re, M. Diemoz, G. ď Imperio, E. Di Marco, I. Di Sarcina, M. Enculescu, E. Longo, M. T. Lucchini, F. Marchegiani, P. Meridiani, S. Nisi, G. Organtini, F. Pandolfi, R. Paramatti, V. Pettinacci, C. Quaranta , et al. (6 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Cerium-doped Lutetium-Yttrium Oxyorthosilicate (LYSO:Ce)is one of the most widely used Cerium-doped Lutetium based scintillation crystals. Initially developed for medical detectors it rapidly became attractive for High Energy Particle Physics (HEP) applications, especially in the frame of high luminosity particle colliders. In this paper, a comprehensive and systematic study of LYSO:Ce (… ▽ More Cerium-doped Lutetium-Yttrium Oxyorthosilicate (LYSO:Ce)is one of the most widely used Cerium-doped Lutetium based scintillation crystals. Initially developed for medical detectors it rapidly became attractive for High Energy Particle Physics (HEP) applications, especially in the frame of high luminosity particle colliders. In this paper, a comprehensive and systematic study of LYSO:Ce ($[Lu_{(1-x)}Y_x]_2SiO_5$:$Ce$) crystals is presented. It involves for the first time a large number of crystal samples (180) of the same size from a dozen of producers.The study consists of a comparative characterization of LYSO:Ce crystal products available on the market by mechanical, optical and scintillation measurements and aims specifically, to investigate key parameters of timing applications for HEP. △ Less

Submitted 3 June, 2022; v1 submitted 30 May, 2022; originally announced May 2022.

Comments: 38 pages, 22 figures

The CYGNO Experiment

Authors: Fernando Domingues Amaro, Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Caponero, Danilo Santos Cardoso, Gianluca Cavoto, André Cortez, Igor Abritta Costa, Rita Joanna da Cruz Roque, Emiliano Dané, Giorgio Dho, Flaminia Di Giambattista, Emanuele Di Marco, Giovanni Grilli di Cortona, Giulia D'Imperio, Francesco Iacoangeli, Herman Pessoa Lima Júnior, Guilherme Sebastiao Pinheiro Lopes, Amaro da Silva Lopes Júnior, Giovanni Maccarrone, Rui Daniel Passos Mano, Michela Marafini, Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio , et al. (25 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The search for a novel technology able to detect and reconstruct nuclear and electron recoil events with the energy of a few keV has become more and more important now that large regions of high-mass dark matter (DM) candidates have been excluded. Moreover, a detector sensitive to incoming particle direction will be crucial in the case of DM discovery to open the possibility of studying its proper… ▽ More The search for a novel technology able to detect and reconstruct nuclear and electron recoil events with the energy of a few keV has become more and more important now that large regions of high-mass dark matter (DM) candidates have been excluded. Moreover, a detector sensitive to incoming particle direction will be crucial in the case of DM discovery to open the possibility of studying its properties. Gaseous time projection chambers (TPC) with optical readout are very promising detectors combining the detailed event information provided by the TPC technique with the high sensitivity and granularity of latest-generation scientific light sensors. The CYGNO experiment (a CYGNus module with Optical readout) aims to exploit the optical readout approach of multiple-GEM structures in large volume TPCs for the study of rare events as interactions of low-mass DM or solar neutrinos. The combined use of high-granularity sCMOS cameras and fast light sensors allows the reconstruction of the 3D direction of the tracks, offering good energy resolution and very high sensitivity in the few keV energy range, together with a very good particle identification useful for distinguishing nuclear recoils from electronic recoils. This experiment is part of the CYGNUS proto-collaboration, which aims at constructing a network of underground observatories for directional DM search. A one cubic meter demonstrator is expected to be built in 2022/23 aiming at a larger scale apparatus (30 m$^3$--100 m$^3$) at a later stage. △ Less

Submitted 11 February, 2022; originally announced February 2022.

Journal ref: published on Instruments 2022, 6(1), 6

Test beam characterization of sensor prototypes for the CMS Barrel MIP Timing Detector

Authors: R. Abbott, A. Abreu, F. Addesa, M. Alhusseini, T. Anderson, Y. Andreev, A. Apresyan, R. Arcidiacono, M. Arenton, E. Auffray, D. Bastos, L. A. T. Bauerdick, R. Bellan, M. Bellato, A. Benaglia, M. Benettoni, R. Bertoni, M. Besancon, S. Bharthuar, A. Bornheim, E. Brücken, J. N. Butler, C. Campagnari, M. Campana, R. Carlin , et al. (174 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The MIP Timing Detector will provide additional timing capabilities for detection of minimum ionizing particles (MIPs) at CMS during the High Luminosity LHC era, improving event reconstruction and pileup rejection. The central portion of the detector, the Barrel Timing Layer (BTL), will be instrumented with LYSO:Ce crystals and Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) providing a time resolution of about… ▽ More The MIP Timing Detector will provide additional timing capabilities for detection of minimum ionizing particles (MIPs) at CMS during the High Luminosity LHC era, improving event reconstruction and pileup rejection. The central portion of the detector, the Barrel Timing Layer (BTL), will be instrumented with LYSO:Ce crystals and Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) providing a time resolution of about 30 ps at the beginning of operation, and degrading to 50-60 ps at the end of the detector lifetime as a result of radiation damage. In this work, we present the results obtained using a 120 GeV proton beam at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility to measure the time resolution of unirradiated sensors. A proof-of-concept of the sensor layout proposed for the barrel region of the MTD, consisting of elongated crystal bars with dimensions of about 3 x 3 x 57 mm$^3$ and with double-ended SiPM readout, is demonstrated. This design provides a robust time measurement independent of the impact point of the MIP along the crystal bar. We tested LYSO:Ce bars of different thickness (2, 3, 4 mm) with a geometry close to the reference design and coupled to SiPMs manufactured by Hamamatsu and Fondazione Bruno Kessler. The various aspects influencing the timing performance such as the crystal thickness, properties of the SiPMs (e.g. photon detection efficiency), and impact angle of the MIP are studied. A time resolution of about 28 ps is measured for MIPs crossing a 3 mm thick crystal bar, corresponding to an MPV energy deposition of 2.6 MeV, and of 22 ps for the 4.2 MeV MPV energy deposition expected in the BTL, matching the detector performance target for unirradiated devices. △ Less

Submitted 16 July, 2021; v1 submitted 15 April, 2021; originally announced April 2021.

Journal ref: Journal of Instrumentation, Volume 16, July 2021

CYGNO: a gaseous TPC with optical readout for dark matter directional search

Authors: E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, R. A. Nobrega, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO project has the goal to use a gaseous TPC with optical readout to detect dark matter and solar neutrinos with low energy threshold and directionality. The CYGNO demonstrator will consist of 1 m 3 volume filled with He:CF 4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure. Optical readout with high granularity CMOS sensors, combined with fast light detectors, will provide a detailed reconstruction of… ▽ More The CYGNO project has the goal to use a gaseous TPC with optical readout to detect dark matter and solar neutrinos with low energy threshold and directionality. The CYGNO demonstrator will consist of 1 m 3 volume filled with He:CF 4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure. Optical readout with high granularity CMOS sensors, combined with fast light detectors, will provide a detailed reconstruction of the event topology. This will allow to discriminate the nuclear recoil signal from the background, mainly represented by low energy electron recoils induced by radioactivity. Thanks to the high reconstruction efficiency, CYGNO will be sensitive to low mass dark matter, and will have the potential to overcome the neutrino floor, that ultimately limits non-directional dark matter searches. △ Less

Submitted 24 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Journal ref: Journal of Instrumentation, Volume 15, July 2020

Identification of low energy nuclear recoils in a gas TPC with optical readout

Authors: Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Arturo Caponero, Gianluca Cavoto, Andre Cortez, Igor Abritta Costa, Emanuele Di Marco, Giulia D'Imperio, Giorgio Dho, Fabrizio Iacoangeli, Giovanni Maccarrone, Michela Marafini, Giovanni Mazzitelli, Andrea Messina, Rafael Antunes Nobrega, Aldo Orlandi, Emiliano Paoletti, Luciano Passamonti, Fabrizio Petrucci, Davide Piccolo, Daniele Pierluigi, Davide Pinci, Francesco Renga , et al. (5 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The search for a novel technology able to detect and reconstruct nuclear recoil events in the keV energy range has become more and more important as long as vast regions of high mass WIMP-like Dark Matter candidate have been excluded. Gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPC) with optical readout are very promising candidate combining the complete event information provided by the TPC technique to th… ▽ More The search for a novel technology able to detect and reconstruct nuclear recoil events in the keV energy range has become more and more important as long as vast regions of high mass WIMP-like Dark Matter candidate have been excluded. Gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPC) with optical readout are very promising candidate combining the complete event information provided by the TPC technique to the high sensitivity and granularity of last generation scientific light sensors. A TPC with an amplification at the anode obtained with Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) was tested at the Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati. Photons and neutrons from radioactive sources were employed to induce recoiling nuclei and electrons with kinetic energy in the range [1-100] keV. A He-CF4 (60/40) gas mixture was used at atmospheric pressure and the light produced during the multiplication in the GEM channels was acquired by a high position resolution and low noise scientific CMOS camera and a photomultiplier. A multi-stage pattern recognition algorithm based on an advanced clustering technique is presented here. A number of cluster shape observables are used to identify nuclear recoils induced by neutrons originated from a AmBe source against X-ray 55Fe photo-electrons. An efficiency of 18% to detect nuclear recoils with an energy of about 6 keV is reached obtaining at the same time a 96% 55Fe photo-electrons suppression. This makes this optically readout gas TPC a very promising candidate for future investigations of ultra-rare events as directional direct Dark Matter searches. △ Less

Submitted 27 October, 2021; v1 submitted 24 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Report number: LEMON-20-001

Journal ref: Meas. Sci. and Tech. 2020

A density-based clustering algorithm for the CYGNO data analysis

Authors: E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, R. A. Nobrega, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) working in combination with Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) produce a very sensitive detector capable of observing low energy events. This is achieved by capturing photons generated during the GEM electron multiplication process by means of a high-resolution camera. The CYGNO experiment has recently developed a TPC Triple GEM detector coupled to a low noise and high… ▽ More Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) working in combination with Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) produce a very sensitive detector capable of observing low energy events. This is achieved by capturing photons generated during the GEM electron multiplication process by means of a high-resolution camera. The CYGNO experiment has recently developed a TPC Triple GEM detector coupled to a low noise and high spatial resolution CMOS sensor. For the image analysis, an algorithm based on an adapted version of the well-known DBSCAN was implemented, called iDBSCAN. In this paper a description of the iDBSCAN algorithm is given, including test and validation of its parameters, and a comparison with DBSCAN itself and a widely used algorithm known as Nearest Neighbor Clustering (NNC). The results show that the adapted version of DBSCAN is capable of providing full signal detection efficiency and very good energy resolution while improving the detector background rejection. △ Less

Submitted 28 September, 2020; v1 submitted 3 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Journal ref: JINST 15 (2020) no.12, T12003

Stability and detection performance of a GEM-based Optical Readout TPC with He/CF$_4$ gas mixtures

Authors: E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, R. A. Nobrega, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The performance and long term stability of an optically readout Time Projection Chamber with an electron amplification structure based on three Gas Electron Multipliers was studied. He/CF$_4$ based gas mixtures were used in two different proportions (60/40 and 70/30) in a CYGNO prototype with 7 litres sensitive volume. With electrical configurations providing very similar electron gains, an almost… ▽ More The performance and long term stability of an optically readout Time Projection Chamber with an electron amplification structure based on three Gas Electron Multipliers was studied. He/CF$_4$ based gas mixtures were used in two different proportions (60/40 and 70/30) in a CYGNO prototype with 7 litres sensitive volume. With electrical configurations providing very similar electron gains, an almost full detection efficiency in the whole detector volume was found with both mixtures, while a light yield about 20\% larger for the 60/40 was found. The electrostatic stability was tested by monitoring voltages and currents during 25 days. The detector worked in very stable and safe condition for the whole period. In the presence of less CF$_4$, a larger probability of unstable events was clearly detected. △ Less

Submitted 17 August, 2020; v1 submitted 1 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Journal ref: JINST 15 (2020) no.10, P10001

Performance of an optically read out time projection chamber with ultra-relativistic electrons

Authors: V. C. Antochi, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, R. A. N'obrega, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci , et al. (6 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is an ideal candidate to finely study the charged particle ionization in a gaseous medium. Large volumes TPCs can be read out with a suitable number of channels offering a complete 3D reconstruction of an ultra-relativistic charged particle track, that is the sequence of its energy releases in the TPC gas volume. Moreover, He-based TPCs are very promising to study… ▽ More The Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is an ideal candidate to finely study the charged particle ionization in a gaseous medium. Large volumes TPCs can be read out with a suitable number of channels offering a complete 3D reconstruction of an ultra-relativistic charged particle track, that is the sequence of its energy releases in the TPC gas volume. Moreover, He-based TPCs are very promising to study keV energy particles as nuclear recoils, opening the possibility for directional searches of Dark Matter (DM) and the study of Solar Neutrinos (SN). In this paper, we report the analysis of the data acquired with a small TPC prototype (named LEMOn) built by the CYGNO collaboration that was exposed to a beam of 450 MeV electrons at the Beam Test Facility of National Laboratories of Frascati. LEMOn is operated with a He-CF4 mixture at atmospheric pressure and is based on a Gas Electron Multipliers amplification stage that produces visible light collected by a sub-millimeter position resolution scientific CMOS camera. This type of readout - in conjunction with a fast light detection - allows a 3D reconstruction of the electrons' tracks. The electrons are leaving a trail of segments of ionizations corresponding to a few keV energy releases each. Their study leads to predict a keV energy threshold and 1-10 mm longitudinal and 0.1-0.3 mm transverse position resolution for nuclear recoils, very promising for the application of optically readout TPC to DM searches and SN measurements. △ Less

Submitted 10 March, 2021; v1 submitted 25 May, 2020; originally announced May 2020.

Report number: INFN-20-06/LNF

Journal ref: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2021

First evidence of luminescence in a He/CF$_4$ gas mixture induced by non-ionizing electrons

Authors: E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga, F. Rosatelli , et al. (3 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Optical readout of Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) provides very interesting performances and has been proposed for different applications in particle physics. In particular, thanks to its good efficiency in the keV energy range, it is being developed for low-energy and rare event studies, such as Dark Matter search. So far, the optical approach exploits the light produced during the avalanche proc… ▽ More Optical readout of Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) provides very interesting performances and has been proposed for different applications in particle physics. In particular, thanks to its good efficiency in the keV energy range, it is being developed for low-energy and rare event studies, such as Dark Matter search. So far, the optical approach exploits the light produced during the avalanche processes in GEM channels. Further luminescence in the gas can be induced by electrons accelerated by a suitable electric field. The CYGNO collaboration studied this process with a combined use of a triple-GEM structure and a grid in an He/CF$_4$ (60/40) gas mixture at atmospheric pressure. Results reported in this paper allow to conclude that with an electric field of about 11~kV/cm a photon production mean free path of about 1.0~cm was found. △ Less

Submitted 2 July, 2020; v1 submitted 22 April, 2020; originally announced April 2020.

Journal ref: JINST 15, no.08, P08018 (2020)

A 1 m$^3$ Gas Time Projection Chamber with Optical Readout for Directional Dark Matter Searches: the CYGNO Experiment

Authors: E. Baracchini, R. Bedogni, F. Bellini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, A. Pelosi, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga , et al. (3 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The aim of the CYGNO project is the construction and operation of a 1~m$^3$ gas TPC for directional dark matter searches and coherent neutrino scattering measurements, as a prototype toward the 100-1000~m$^3$ (0.15-1.5 tons) CYGNUS network of underground experiments. In such a TPC, electrons produced by dark-matter- or neutrino-induced nuclear recoils will drift toward and will be multiplied by a… ▽ More The aim of the CYGNO project is the construction and operation of a 1~m$^3$ gas TPC for directional dark matter searches and coherent neutrino scattering measurements, as a prototype toward the 100-1000~m$^3$ (0.15-1.5 tons) CYGNUS network of underground experiments. In such a TPC, electrons produced by dark-matter- or neutrino-induced nuclear recoils will drift toward and will be multiplied by a three-layer GEM structure, and the light produced in the avalanche processes will be readout by a sCMOS camera, providing a 2D image of the event with a resolution of a few hundred micrometers. Photomultipliers will also provide a simultaneous fast readout of the time profile of the light production, giving information about the third coordinate and hence allowing a 3D reconstruction of the event, from which the direction of the nuclear recoil and consequently the direction of the incoming particle can be inferred. Such a detailed reconstruction of the event topology will also allow a pure and efficient signal to background discrimination. These two features are the key to reach and overcome the solar neutrino background that will ultimately limit non-directional dark matter searches. △ Less

Submitted 8 January, 2020; originally announced January 2020.

Comments: 5 page, 7 figures, contribution to the Conference Records of 2018 IEEE NSS/MIC

CYGNO: Triple-GEM Optical Readout for Directional Dark Matter Search

Authors: I. Abritta Costa, E. Baracchini, R. Bedogni, F. Bellini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pinci, F. Renga, G. Saviano, S. Tomassini

Abstract: CYGNO is a project realising a cubic meter demonstrator to study the scalability of the performance of the optical approach for the readout of large-volume, GEM-equipped TPC. This is part of the CYGNUS proto-collaboration which aims at constructing a network of underground observatories for directional Dark Matter search. The combined use of high-granularity sCMOS and fast sensors for reading out… ▽ More CYGNO is a project realising a cubic meter demonstrator to study the scalability of the performance of the optical approach for the readout of large-volume, GEM-equipped TPC. This is part of the CYGNUS proto-collaboration which aims at constructing a network of underground observatories for directional Dark Matter search. The combined use of high-granularity sCMOS and fast sensors for reading out the light produced in GEM channels during the multiplication processes was shown to allow on one hand to reconstruct 3D direction of the tracks, offering accurate energy measurements and sensitivity to the source directionality and, on the other hand, a high particle identification capability very useful to distinguish nuclear recoils. Results of the performed R&D and future steps toward a 30-100 cubic meter experiment will be presented. △ Less

Submitted 21 October, 2019; v1 submitted 16 October, 2019; originally announced October 2019.

Comments: 6th International Conference on Micro Pattern Gaseous Detectors, MPGD19

Performance of Optically Readout GEM-based TPC with a 55Fe source

Authors: I. Abritta Costa, E. Baracchini, F. Bellini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, G. Cavoto, E. Di Marco, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, D. Piccolo, D. Pinci, F. Renga, F. Rosatelli, S. Tomassini

Abstract: Optical readout of large Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with multiple Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) amplification stages has shown to provide very interesting performances for high energy particle tracking. Proposed applications for low-energy and rare event studies, such as Dark Matter search, ask for demanding performance in the keV energy range. The performance of such a readout was studied… ▽ More Optical readout of large Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with multiple Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) amplification stages has shown to provide very interesting performances for high energy particle tracking. Proposed applications for low-energy and rare event studies, such as Dark Matter search, ask for demanding performance in the keV energy range. The performance of such a readout was studied in details as a function of the electric field configuration and GEM gain by using a $^{55}$Fe source within a 7 litre sensitive volume detector developed as a part of the R\&D for the CYGNUS project. Results reported in this paper show that the low noise level of the sensor allows to operate with a 2~keV threshold while keeping a rate of fake-events lesser than 10 per year. In this configuration, a detection efficiency well above 95\% along with an energy resolution ($σ$) of 18\% is obtained for the 5.9 keV photons, demonstrating the very promising capabilities of this technique. △ Less

Submitted 4 June, 2019; v1 submitted 10 May, 2019; originally announced May 2019.

MPGD Optical Read Out for Directional Dark Matter Search

Authors: G. Mazzitelli, E. Baracchini, G. Cavoto, E. Di Marco, M. Marafini, C. Mancini, D. Pinci, F. Renga, S. Tomassini

Abstract: The Time Projection method is an ideal candidate to track low energy release particles. Large volumes can be readout by means of a moderate number of channels providing a complete 3D reconstruction of the charged tracks within the sensitive volume. It allows the measurement not only of the total released energy but also of the energy release density along the tracks that can be very useful for par… ▽ More The Time Projection method is an ideal candidate to track low energy release particles. Large volumes can be readout by means of a moderate number of channels providing a complete 3D reconstruction of the charged tracks within the sensitive volume. It allows the measurement not only of the total released energy but also of the energy release density along the tracks that can be very useful for particle identification and to solve the head-tail ambiguity of the tracks. Moreover, gas represents a very interesting target to study Dark Matter interactions. In gas, nuclear recoils can travel enough to give rise to tracks long enough to be acquired and reconstructed. △ Less

Submitted 14 January, 2019; originally announced January 2019.

Report number: INFN-19/1/LNF

Journal ref: Conference Record of 2018 IEEE NSS/MIC/RTSD

CYGNO: a CYGNUs Collaboration 1 m^3 Module with Optical Readout for Directional Dark Matter Search

Authors: E. Baracchini, R. Bedogni, F. Bellini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, L. Bignell, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, E. Di Marco, C. Eldridge, A. Ezeribe, R. Gargana, T. Gamble, R. Gregorio, G. Lane, D. Loomba, W. Lynch, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, A. Mills, K. Miuchi, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo , et al. (8 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The design of the project named CYGNO is presented. CYGNO is a new proposal supported by INFN, the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics, within CYGNUs proto-collaboration (CYGNUS-TPC) that aims to realize a distributed observatory in underground laboratories for directional Dark Matter (DM) search and the identification of the coherent neutrino scattering (CNS) from the Sun. CYGNO is one… ▽ More The design of the project named CYGNO is presented. CYGNO is a new proposal supported by INFN, the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics, within CYGNUs proto-collaboration (CYGNUS-TPC) that aims to realize a distributed observatory in underground laboratories for directional Dark Matter (DM) search and the identification of the coherent neutrino scattering (CNS) from the Sun. CYGNO is one of the first prototypes in the road map to 100-1000 m^3 of CYGNUs and will be located at the National Laboratory of Gran Sasso (LNGS), in Italy, aiming to make significant advances in the technology of single phase gas-only time projection chambers (TPC) for the application to the detection of rare scattering events. In particular it will focus on a read-out technique based on Micro Pattern Gas Detector (MPGD) amplification of the ionization and on the visible light collection with a sub-mm position resolution sCMOS (scientific COMS) camera. This type of readout - in conjunction with a fast light detection - will allow on one hand to reconstruct 3D direction of the tracks, offering accurate sensitivity to the source directionality and, on the other hand, a high particle identification capability very useful to distinguish nuclear recoils. △ Less

Submitted 24 September, 2019; v1 submitted 14 January, 2019; originally announced January 2019.

Report number: INFN-19/2/LNF

Journal ref: Conference Record of 2018 IEEE NSS/MIC/RTSD

Combined readout of a triple-GEM detector

Authors: Vasile C. Antochi, Elisabetta Baracchini, Gianluca Cavoto, Emanuele Di Marco, Michela Marafini, Giovanni Mazzitelli, Davide Pinci, Francesco Renga, Sandro Tomassini, Cecilia Voena

Abstract: Optical readout of GEM based devices by means of high granularity and low noise CMOS sensors allows to obtain very interesting tracking performance. Space resolution of the order of tens of $μ$m were measured on the GEM plane along with an energy resolution of 20%$÷$30%. The main limitation of CMOS sensors is represented by their poor information about time structure of the event. In this paper, t… ▽ More Optical readout of GEM based devices by means of high granularity and low noise CMOS sensors allows to obtain very interesting tracking performance. Space resolution of the order of tens of $μ$m were measured on the GEM plane along with an energy resolution of 20%$÷$30%. The main limitation of CMOS sensors is represented by their poor information about time structure of the event. In this paper, the use of a concurrent light readout by means of a suitable photomultiplier and the acquisition of the electric signal induced on the GEM electrode are exploited to provide the necessary timing informations. The analysis of the PMT waveform allows a 3D reconstruction of each single clusters with a resolution on z of 100 $μ$m. Moreover, from the PMT signals it is possible to obtain a fast reconstruction of the energy released within the detector with a resolution of the order of 25% even in the tens of keV range useful, for example, for triggering purpose. △ Less

Submitted 19 March, 2018; originally announced March 2018.

Comments: 8 pages, 8 figures

Carbon nanotubes as target for directional detection of light WIMP

Authors: V. C. Antochi, E. Baracchini, G. Cavoto, E. Di Marco, G. Mazzitelli, D. Pinci, A. D. Polosa, F. Renga, C. Voena

Abstract: In this paper I will briefly introduce the idea of using Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) as target for the detection of low mass WIMPs with the additional information of directionality. I will also present the experimental efforts of developing a Time Projection Chamber with a CNT target inside and the results of a test beam at the Beam Test Facility of INFN-LNF. In this paper I will briefly introduce the idea of using Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) as target for the detection of low mass WIMPs with the additional information of directionality. I will also present the experimental efforts of developing a Time Projection Chamber with a CNT target inside and the results of a test beam at the Beam Test Facility of INFN-LNF. △ Less

Submitted 9 July, 2017; originally announced July 2017.

Comments: 3 figures, IFAE2017 poster session proceedings

Radiation hardness qualification of PbWO4 scintillation crystals for the CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter

Authors: The CMS Electromagnetic Calorimeter Group, P. Adzic, N. Almeida, D. Andelin, I. Anicin, Z. Antunovic, R. Arcidiacono, M. W. Arenton, E. Auffray, S. Argiro, A. Askew, S. Baccaro, S. Baffioni, M. Balazs, D. Bandurin, D. Barney, L. M. Barone, A. Bartoloni, C. Baty, S. Beauceron, K. W. Bell, C. Bernet, M. Besancon, B. Betev, R. Beuselinck , et al. (245 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Ensuring the radiation hardness of PbWO4 crystals was one of the main priorities during the construction of the electromagnetic calorimeter of the CMS experiment at CERN. The production on an industrial scale of radiation hard crystals and their certification over a period of several years represented a difficult challenge both for CMS and for the crystal suppliers. The present article reviews t… ▽ More Ensuring the radiation hardness of PbWO4 crystals was one of the main priorities during the construction of the electromagnetic calorimeter of the CMS experiment at CERN. The production on an industrial scale of radiation hard crystals and their certification over a period of several years represented a difficult challenge both for CMS and for the crystal suppliers. The present article reviews the related scientific and technological problems encountered. △ Less

Submitted 21 December, 2009; originally announced December 2009.

Comments: 24 pages, 19 figures, available on CMS information server at http://cms.cern.ch/iCMS/

Report number: CMS Note 2009/016

Journal ref: JINST 5:P03010,2010