Session JB: Mini-symposium on Low Energy Tests of the SM and Searches for New Physics II

9:00 AM–12:00 PM, Thursday, September 22, 2005
Ritz-Carlton Hotel Room: Salon 3

Sponsoring Units: DNP JPS
Chair: Jun Imazato, KEK

Abstract ID: BAPS.2005.HAW.JB.7

Abstract: JB.00007 : Performance test of the prototype detector for Dark Matter Search

10:45 AM–11:00 AM

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Authors:

  Akiko Yanagisawa
    (Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University)

  Tadafumi Kishimoto
  Izumi Ogawa
  Ryuta Hazama
  Sei Yoshida
  Saori Umehara

Extensive observational evidence indicates that non-luminous, dark matter comprises a large fraction of the matter in the universe. Recent observation of cosmic microwave background suggests that dark matter consists predominantly of non-baryonic particles, and Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), neutralino dark matter are presently most favored. These WIMPs would interact elastically with nuclei, generating recoil energy of a few tens of keV, at a rate smaller than $\sim $1event/kg/day. We have developed a CaF$_{2}$ scintillation detector system (ELEGANT VI) to search for spin coupled dark matter by elastic scattering of $^{19}$F. Because of the low-energy and low-event-rate, to improve the sensitivity of the detector system, we must achieve more light collection and background reduction. So we have started the study of the new design of the detector system which consists of cubic CaF$_{2}$ (pure) crystal all sides covered by light guides. In this system, more light collection and less background level are expected for much larger photo-coverage and CaF$_{2}$ (pure) low radioactivity, respectively. As a first stage, we are developing the prototype detector and testing the photon collection efficiency of the light guide system for the optimization. The performance of the prototype detector will be reported.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2005.HAW.JB.7