Speaker
Description
The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will utilize liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) technology to address key questions in neutrino physics, such as CP violation and the neutrino mass ordering. The Phase II Far Detector modules will employ vertical drift single-phase LArTPCs with an active volume of 13 m × 13 m × 60 m and dual anode planes. We propose a novel photon detection system (PDS) concept, named PoWER (Polymer Wavelength-shifter and Enhanced Reflection). The design features full coverage of the field cage with polymeric wavelength-shifting foils (PEN), combined with enhanced specular reflector (ESR) panels and arrays of Light Detection Units (LDUs) mounted on the cryostat membrane. A combination of standard and VUV-sensitive SiPMs enables improved light collection and active vetoing through the surrounding liquid argon buffer. Additional PEN foils and reflective panels on the cathode further enhance photon detection efficiency. With an estimated 4% active coverage, this system aims to significantly improve sensitivity to low-energy signals, particularly from supernova neutrinos (~10 MeV). This contribution presents an update on Monte Carlo simulation studies, including photon light map generation, as well as the current status of prototype development and system integration.
