Astronomical instrumentation

Abstract:

This paper introduces a novel track-length extension fitting algorithm for measuring the kinetic energies of inelastically interacting particles in liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs). The algorithm finds the most probable offset in track length for a track-like object by comparing the measured ionization density as a function of position with a theoretical prediction of the energy loss as a function of the energy, including models of electron recombination and detector response. The algorithm can be used to measure the energies of particles that interact before they stop, such as charged pions that are absorbed by argon nuclei. The algorithm's energy measurement resolutions and fractional biases are presented as functions of particle kinetic energy and number of track hits using samples of stopping secondary charged pions in data collected by the ProtoDUNE-SP detector, and also in a detailed simulation. Additional studies describe the impact of the dE/dx model on energy measurement performance. The method described in this paper to characterize the energy measurement performance can be repeated in any LArTPC experiment using stopping secondary charged pions.

Abstract:

Quantum technology is central to the operation of modern gravitational-wave detectors and will play crucial role in the success of next-generation observatories, such as the Einstein Telescope. There, quantum squeezed light will be utilized to suppress quantum noise across the entire detection band, a task that demands advancements in several areas of quantum technology. This review provides an introduction to the quantum technologies employed in gravitational-wave detection and explores in detail their properties, challenges, and the potential they hold for the Einstein Telescope.