Some preparations for the LZ direct dark matter detector

LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) is a next generation dark matter direct detection experiment that will operate at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). With a dual-phase xenon scintillation detector and an active mass of 7 tonnes, LZ will search primarily for low-energy interactions with Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), a hypothesized dark matter candidate. In addition, a series of system test prototype vessels will be used for testing key LZ design aspects and critical components. The culmination of these, Phase-II, will test the final LZ grids in gaseous xenon, investigate electron emission at operational fields, and provide the final assurance of the TPC meeting high voltage requirements and goals. Furthermore, UW-Madison is responsible for producing photomultiplier-tube signal and high voltage cables at the UW Physical Sciences Laboratory under a strict cleanliness protocol to ensure minimal introduction of radon and other contaminants that could fake a WIMP signal. With construction well underway, LZ is on track to start collecting data in 2020.