Self-shielding effect of a single phase liquid xenon detector for direct dark matter search

Liquid xenon is a suitable material for a dark matter search. For future large scale experiments, single phase detectors are attractive due to their simple configuration and scalability. However, in order to reduce backgrounds, they need to fully rely on liquid xenon’s self-shielding property. A prototype detector was developed at Kamioka Observatory to establish vertex and energy reconstruction methods and to demonstrate the self-shielding power against γ-rays from outside of the detector. 662 keV γ-rays from 137Cs are attenuated by a factor of about 50 over a distance of 20 cm.

► A prototype single phase liquid xenon detector was developed and operated. ► We have tested performance of this prototype detector. ► We have measured the physical properties of liquid xenon. ► We have established vertex and energy reconstruction methods. ► We have demonstrated liquid xenon’s self-shielding power against γ-rays.