Design and performance of the ARIADNE+ detector, bringing novel 3D optical dual-phase LArTPCs to the large scale

The ARIADNE programme is focused on the development of a scalable optical readout system for use in future ktonne LAr neutrino experiments, providing high tracking capability and low energy thresholds. Following demonstration at the 1 tonne scale (ARIADNE detector), a 20 tonne experiment has been performed at the CERN Neutrino Platform ( <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="m2"> <mml:mrow> <mml:msup> <mml:mrow> <mml:mtext>ARIADNE</mml:mtext> </mml:mrow> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:msup> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> ) to test scalability for integration into colossal future experiments such as those planned within the DUNE programme. This paper details the design, construction and performance of a 2.3 × 2.3 m light readout plane (LRP), which contained the largest glass THGEM array ever constructed. Four Timepix3 cameras were mounted externally to image the secondary scintillation light produced within the THGEM holes; three cameras operated with a visible image intensifier, and one with a VUV sensitive intensifier coupled to a custom magnesium fluoride lens. The Timepix3 data are natively zero suppressed, and with the 1.6 ns timing resolution, straightforward 3D event reconstruction is possible. A gallery of reconstructed LAr interactions is presented. Energy resolution and calibration were determined using cosmic muons. The energy resolution was found to be approximately 11% for the presented dataset. An outlook on the next steps for this work is given.