Development of a Small-Scale Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber for Neutrino Research at Wellesley College

Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers (LArTPC) are widely used for neutrino detection. Our research focuses on improving neutrino event reconstruction through a 3D pixelated readout system called Q-Pix, which offers lower detection thresholds and improved spatial and energy resolution. At Wellesley College, we have developed a LAr purification system and purity monitor to host prototype LAr readout systems like Q-Pix. Our purifier employs active copper and molecular sieves to eliminate oxygen and water, keeping electronegative contaminants at an extremely low level. The associated purity monitor measures the resulting purity of the liquid argon by monitoring the attenuation of a calibration charge signal in a small-scale TPC. We constructed the purifier, developed a data acquisition system to operate the apparatus, and built the purity monitor. With this system in place, we will next operate a prototype LArTPC with Q-Pix readout at Wellesley College, demonstrating its potential to enhance neutrino detection.