Elena Sung

Water-based liquid scintillators (WbLS) are a promising direct detection method for particles that have garnered attention in the past few years in particle physics, as this innovative approach allows for the separation of Cherenkov light and scintillation light, offering powerful tools for particle identification. WbLS stands out as a cost-effective method compared to other detectors, owing to its cost-effective liquid composition. This study assesses the stability of the 1-ton WbLS at the Brookhaven National Laboratory serving as a testbed for the development of a 30-ton WbLS. The objective was to characterize the photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) light yield by calibrating the detector using LEDs and conducting data analysis and model fitting to determine the PMT gain while assessing its stability. The results reveal a distinctive peak in the sum of photoelectrons, indicating a well-defined response of the PMTs within the 1-ton WbLS. This peak is indicative of the PMT gain and energy deposition. The advancements in WbLS technology present a viable solution for large-scale detectors. These advancements contribute to enhanced sensitivity in future dark matter experiments.