Beam-induced space-charge effects in time projection chambers in low-energy nuclear physics experiments

J. S. Randhawa*, M. Cortesi, Y. Ayyad, W. Mittig, T. Ahn, D. Bazin, S. Beceiro-Novo, L. Carpenter, K. J. Cook, M. Dasgupta, S. Henderson, D. J. Hinde, J. J. Kolata, J. Sammut, C. Santamaria, N. Watwood, A. Yeck

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    5 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Tracking capabilities in Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) are strongly dictated by the homogeneity of the drift field. Ion back-flow in various gas detectors, mainly induced by the secondary ionization processes during amplification, has long been known as a source of drift field distortion. Here, we report on beam-induced space-charge effects from the primary ionization process in the drift region in low-energy nuclear physics experiment with Active Target Time Projection Chamber (AT-TPC). A qualitative explanation of the observed effects is provided using detailed electron transport simulations. As ion mobility is a crucial factor in the space-charge effects, the need for a careful optimization of gas properties is highlighted. The impact of track distortion on tracking algorithm performance is also discussed.

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