[Overview] [Detector] [Backgrounds] [Signal] [Sensitivity] [Broader Impact]

The LUX detector specifically exploits a number of features of LXe to drive backgrounds down. The active detector volume permits the full reconstruction of event energy deposition and position. An inner fiducial volume can be clearly established with <2 cm errors in position determination. The FV event rate due to backgrounds is heavily suppressed due to the active shielding by the surrounding Xe. The electron recoil vs nuclear recoil discrimination in two-phase Xe detectors is good, but is limited to 99.3–99.9%, as determined in LXe prototypes, and confirmed in XENON10/ZEPLIN II operation. The fiducial volume and electron recoil discrimination work in concert to provide the required sensitivity. A water shield is extremely efficient for removing external and muon-generated neutrons, and has the potential to provide much lower gamma background than any practical Pb-based shield. Water shielding is scalable to accommodate larger detectors, or multiple detectors.