Development and Calibration of a Prototype Time Projection Chamber

The first measurement able to exclude values of the neutrino CP-violating phase δ_CP corresponding to no CP-violation (δ_CP = 0 and δ_CP = π) at the 95% confidence level was recently published by the long-baseline (LBL) neutrino experiment T2K. This measurement on the CP-violating nature of neutrinos could signify a huge step forward in understanding the matter anti-matter asymmetry of the Universe. The large systematic uncertainties currently present in LBL neutrino experiments prevent highly accurate measurements of δ_CP which are required for future long-baseline neutrino experiments. One of the leading order contributions to this large systemic is final state interactions (FSIs) which high pressure time projection chambers (HPTPCs) are ideally poised to be able to accurately characterise. A prototype HPTPC which utilises a hybrid optical and charge readout system with a three-mesh amplification region has been built and tested. This thesis details: the CERN time of flight test and Monte Carlo study used to measure beam characteristics and inform experimental design for an eventual CERN beam test; the design and construction of the prototype HPTPC; calibration using an ²⁴¹Am source; and the detectors optical and charge gain measurement.