Liquid argon photodetection systems for neutrino detectors: A minireview

Abstract

Abstract A growing number of experiments with particle detectors using liquid argon are currently being carried out, as this is an excellent means of detecting neutrinos. These experiments develop different capture and measurement systems of the photons generated by the excitation of the argon atoms when a charged particle passes. New low-cost technologies, more sensitive and efficient detection methods, hardware and electronics, optimize and take advantage of the characteristics of the processes involved. This minireview presents the main characteristics of photodetection systems used in some of the most important experiments for the finding of neutrinos, particularly those that use liquid argon at cryogenic temperatures (-186 °C), such as Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and the Micro Booster Neutrino Experiment. In addition, this article presents a comparison of the advances of each cryogenic photodetection system with the aim of promoting the use of this technology in new research fields.