Abstract
Two of the most important programs in particle physics for the next decade concern the study of the properties of neutrinos and the search for dark matter particles in the form of WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particle). Next generation experiments on neutrinos are designed to investigate mainly CP-violation in the lepton sector, the mass hierarchy, and neutrinos produced in supernova explosions. Next generation direct dark matter experiments aim to reach a sensitivity in the cross section for WIMP interactions at the level of 1047 cm2. In both cases, one of the most promising technique is the one based on the use of liquid argon time projection chambers. This project proposes to open two new lines of research in the framework of liquid argon scintillation light detection. The first consists in the development of an innovative device - ARAPUCA - for the collection and detection of liquid argon scintillation light, which promises to have much higher performances with respect to all the other solutions proposed up to now in this field. The second is the full characterization of the properties of wavelength shifting com- pounds that can be used in combination with liquid argon, in view of recent experimental results that have modified the common understanding of their working principle. (AU)