Evaluating the performance of a prototype TPC for use in the ND280m detector of the T2K experiment

Abstract

A prototype time projection chamber has been designed and constructed to study the performance that can be expected by the large scale time projection chambers in the ND280m detector of the Tokai to Kamioka (T2K) neutrino oscillation experiment. Tests using the prototype will indicate any changes necessary to the fullscale design in order to meet the physics goals of the detectors. Some TPC gas parameters are measured, including the drift velocity, diffusion constant, and electron attachment coefficient. The spatial resolution of the TPC is also measured, and results are presented for two candidate TPC gasses.