Can strangelets be detected in a large LAr neutrino detector?

Abstract

Predicted as possible bound states of up, down and strange quarks, strangelets could be more energetically favourable and more stable than nuclear matter. In this paper we explore the possibility of detecting such particles with the future large liquid argon detectors developed for neutrino physics. Using signals from ionization and scintillation, as well as measuring the range, we suggest that a calorimetric TPC detector is able to put in evidence and to discriminate between light strangelets and normal isotopes at intermediate energies.

Exploring the detection of AQNs in large liquid detectors

“…Muons, neutrons, and neutrinos represent the main sources of background from cosmogenic sources for this kind of experiment. In LAr detectors [41], the intrinsic radioactive background is dominated by the effect of the content of 39 Ar in natural atmospheric argon, with a superior limit of (8.0 ± 0.6) × 10 −16 g/g, or (1.01 ± 0.08) Bq/kg.…”

Large low background kTon-scale liquid argon time projection chambers

“…Recently, the paper 'Can strangelets be detected in a large LAr neutrino detector?' [86], predicted that a LArTPC detector is able to detect and discriminate light strangelets with (Z, A) between (2, 14) and (7,70) for energies up to 10 GeV in the presence of radioactive background found at the surface. When operated underground the detection limits are expected to be extended due to lower background levels and, combined with the increased dimensions of the detector module, will improve the event rates by a factor of 40.…”

Low Background kTon-Scale Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers

“…Recently, the paper "Can strangelets be detected in a large LAr neutrino detector?" [80], predicted that a LArTPC detector is able to detect and discriminate light strangelets with (Z, A) between (2,14) and (7,70) for energies up to 10 GeV in the presence of radioactive background found at the surface. When operated underground the detection limits are expected to be extended due to lower background levels and, combined with the increased dimensions of the detector module, will improve the event rates with a factor of 40.…”