The ZEPLIN-III dark matter detector: Instrument design, manufacture and commissioning

We present details of the technical design, manufacture and testing of the ZEPLIN-IIIdark matter experiment. ZEPLIN-IIIis a two-phase xenondetector which measures both the scintillation light and the ionisation charge generated in the liquid by interacting particles and radiation. The instrument design is driven by both the physics requirements and by the technology requirements surrounding the use of liquid xenon. These include considerations of key performance parameters, such as the efficiency of scintillation light collection, restrictions placed on the use of materials to control the inherent radioactivity levels, attainment of high vacuum levelsand chemical contamination control. The successful solution has involved a number of novel design and manufacturing features which will be of specific use to future generations of direct dark matter search experiments as they struggle with similar and progressively more demanding requirements.