Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) are essential tools in particle physics, offering detailed visualization and analysis of charged particle trajectories. This presentation covers a basic simulation of alpha particles interacting within a prototype TPC, an integral step toward developing a larger neutron beam TPC. The prototype TPC, filled with a CF4-based gas mixture, is used to study alpha particle tracks generated by an Americium-241 source. These tracks, characterized by high ionization density, provide insights analogous to those expected from neutron-induced reactions. The simulation using the Geant4 toolkit [1] involves configuring a cylindrical TPC geometry, generating alpha particles with 5.4 MeV energy, and analyzing their interactions within the TPC filled with Argon gas at 1 bar. The results include visualizing and analyzing particle paths, energy deposits, and track lengths. The study shows that the simulation successfully replicates experimental observations, providing a basis for future investigations with different gas mixtures, pressures, and neutron interactions. This work aids in optimizing TPC performance and enhances its use in nuclear physics and astrophysics research. This project was done in the context of the Kupcinet-Getz International Program at the Weizmann Institute of Science.

[1] S. Agostinelli et al. GEANT4–a simulation toolkit. Nucl. Instrum. Meth. A, 506:250–303, 2003.

Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) are crucial in particle physics for visualizing and analyzing charged particle trajectories. This presentation focuses on the basic simulation alpha particles within a prototype TPC. The prototype, filled with a CF4-based gas, examines alpha tracks from an Americium-241 source, offering insights comparable to neutron interactions. Using the Geant4 toolkit, a cylindrical TPC with Argon gas was simulated, generating 5.4 MeV alpha particles and analyzing their behavior. The simulation mirrors experimental data, laying the groundwork for future studies and optimizing TPC performance for nuclear and astrophysics research.