On the possibility of positive-ion detection in gaseous TPCs and its potential use for neutrinoless double beta decay searches in Xe-136

Abstract

The neutralization of slow positive ions on solid surfaces can lead to the emission of secondary electrons in Auger-type processes. We discuss the possibility of harnessing such mechanisms to the detection of positive ions in gaseous TPCs. Applied to high pressure xenon, the proposed idea may enable reconstructing with high accuracy the topology of candidate neutrinoless double beta decay events of Xe-136 without sacrificing the energy resolution of pure Xe gas. Candidate secondary electron emitters are discussed, as well as the expected efficiencies, challenges and potential pitfalls.