Search for Dark Photons Utilizing Advanced Germanium Detectors*

We prospect the possibility of using advanced germanium (Ge) detectors to search for dark photons by means of absorption and conversion to electrons. A Ge detector utilizing internal charge amplification for the charge carriers created by the ionization of impurities is a novel technology with experimental sensitivity for detecting dark photons. We present the sensitivity of such a Ge experiment for detecting dark photons in the low-energy region. We show that, if Ge internal charge amplification technology becomes available, then a new opportunity arises to observe dark photons.