Observation of delayed electron emission in a two-phase liquid xenon detector

Abstract

Results of the experimental study of electron emission from liquid xenon via electroluminescence of the gas phase are presented. We report on observation of a peculiar kind of delayed electroluminescent signal following initial electroluminescence caused by ionizing particles. We also present the results of a study of spontaneous single electron emission following cosmic muon signals. It was found that the rate of spontaneous single electron signals strongly depends on the time passed since the initial electroluminescence happened. The analysis of experimental data showed that both spontaneous single electron signals and delayed electroluminescent signals are associated with ionization electrons which are trapped by the potential barrier at the interface.