D. A. Bauer

Exclusion limits on the WIMP-nucleon scattering cross-section from the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search

Abstract The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) employs massive ionization- and phonon-mediated detectors to search for WIMPs via their elastic scattering interactions with nuclei while discriminating against interactions by other background particles. Limits on the WIMP-nucleon scattering cross-section, based on 3.1xa0kgxa0d of exposure, exclude new parameter space in the 10–30xa0GeV WIMP mass region and also a portion of the region allowed by the DAMA annual modulation search (Bernabei, Phys. Lett. 450 (1999) 448).

Results and status of the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS)

Abstract The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search experiment uses cooled germanium and silicon detectors for a direct search for weakly interacting massive particles in our Galaxy. The novel detectors allow a high degree of background rejection by discriminating between electron and nuclear recoils through the simultaneous measurement of the energy deposited in phonons and ionization. Exposures on the order of one kilogram-day from initial runs of our experiment yield (preliminary) upper limits on the WIMP-nucleon cross section that are comparable to much longer runs of other experiments. Current and future runs promise significant improvement, primarily due to improved detectors and reduced surface-electron backgrounds.

The first cryogenic dark matter experiment

An experimental search for dark matter particle candidates using cryogenic detectors requires a low radioactive background environment. We discuss the status of a cryogenic dark matter experiment to be performed in the Stanford Underground Facility. The detectors will be cooled in a specially designed cryostat connected to a modified side access Oxford 400 dilution refrigerator. Details of the cryostat design and its operating performance are presented. The effectiveness of the multi-level shield surrounding the cryostat, as well as the background levels we expect to achieve in the pilot experiment are discussed. Finally, we examine the limits which can be set on dark matter candidates with such an experiment.

Deployment of the first CDMS II ZIP Detectors at the Stanford Underground Facility

Abstract The CDMS II experiment deployed the first set of ZIP (Z-dependent Ionization and Phonon) detectors at the Stanford Underground Facility (SUF) shallow depth site in the spring of 2000. With a payload consisting of 3 Ge (250g ea.) and 3 Si (100g ea.) ZIPs, the run was the first demostration of multiple ZIPs operating simltaneously. Good discrimination between electron and nuclear recoil events of 99.8% was established, down to recoil energies of 10 keV. A measurement of the γ, β, and neutron backgrounds was made.

Preliminary limits on the WIMP-nucleon cross section from the cryogenic dark matter search (CDMS)

Abstract We are conducting an experiment to search for WIMPs, or weakly-interacting massive particles, in the galactic halo using terrestrial detectors. This generic class of hypothetical particles, whose properties are similar to those predicted by extensions of the standard model of particle physics, could comprise the cold component of nonbaryonic dark matter. We described our experiment, which is based on cooled germanium and silicon detectors in a shielded low-background cryostat. The detectors achieve a high degree of background rejection through the simultaneous measurement of the energy in phonons and ionization. Using exposures on the order of one kilogram-day from initial runs of our experiment, we have achieved (preliminary) upper limits on the WIMP-nucleon cross section that are comparable to much longer runs of other experiments.

Demonstration of the CDMS II ZIP technology at a shallow underground site

The most recent CDMS data run (Run 20) was the first run in which multiple ZIP detectors were deployed. Three Si (0.100 kg each) and 3 Ge (0.250 kg each) ZIPs were run with the goals of fully testing such a configuration as well as measuring the γ, β, and n rates simultaneously with Ge and Si detectors. Calibration with γ and n sources established the bulk electron recoil leakage into the neutron band to be less than 0.2%. Low background data taken during the summer of 2000 produced a simultaneous measurement of the muon coincident neutron background with Si and Ge detectors.

A testing strategy for the mass production of CDMS II detectors

The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) employs detectors which are capable of simultaneously measuring the ionization and phonon energies deposited by a particle collision. These detectors are 1-cm-thick, 7-cm-diameter crystals of either germanium or silicon with a thin film of aluminum and tungsten patterned on the surface. This presentation discusses the testing regimen that a typical CDMS detector undergoes before it gets approval for final installation at the CDMS II deep side in Soudan, MN which should be coming online within a year. Now that our technology is relatively stable, the main focus of our test facilities is to provide quality control for the mass production of our detectors. First, the critical temperatures of the tungsten and other basic quantities are measured in preparation for iron implantation, which will bring the Tc down to the desired range (70 mK). The same basic measurements are taken again after implantation to assure that the correct Tc was achieved. Finally, a detailed map o...

Present status of the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS II) experiment

Abstract The CDMS experiment utilizes Ge and Si detectors operating at 20 mK to search for the Dark Matter of the Universe hypothesized to exist in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). In early 2000, CDMS set the most competitive exclusion limit for scalar-interaction WIMPs in the Stanford Underground Facility (SUF). A new search (CDMS II) is now commencing with several improvements: a deep-site facility in the Soudan mine, Minnesota; and the detector technology has been further improved to aid in the rejection of surface-electron (β) events. A new generation of detectors, sensitive to the initial athermal phonon flux from a particle event, have been in operation for the past year at Stanfords shallow site and are ready for installation at the deep site.

Results from the 1998–1999 runs of the cryogenic dark matter search

Abstract The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) uses low-temperature Ge and Si detectors to search for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) via their elastic-scattering interaction with atomic nuclei while discriminating against interactions of background particles. CDMS data from 1998 and 1999 with a relaxed fiducial-volume cut (resulting in 15.8 kg-days exposure on Ge) are consistent with an earlier analysis with a more restrictive fiducial-volume cut. Twenty-three WIMP candidate events are observed, but these events are consistent with a background from neutrons. Resulting limits on the spin-independent WIMP-nucleon elastic-scattering cross-section are lower than those of any other experiment for WIMPs with masses between 10–70 GeV c −2 . Under the assumptions of standard WIMP interactions and a standard halo, the results are incompatible with the annual-modulation signal of DAMA at 99.99% CL in the asymptotic limit.

Status of CDMS search for dark matter WIMPs

We report on the latest results from the CDMS (cryogenic dark matter search) experiment. The experiment uses superconducting particle detectors, operated below 100 mK, to search for dark matter in the form of weakly interacting massive elementary particles or WIMPs. These detectors are either Si or Ge crystals, where the electron-hole production and the phonon production are measured for each event, allowing the discrimination of electron recoils (most backgrounds due to gammas and betas) from nuclear recoils (due to WIMPs and neutrons). We have recently reported new limits from the Stanford shallow site experiment (CDMS-I) which explore supersymmetric models where the lightest supersymmetric particle is often an excellent WIMP candidate. We will also report on the Soudan deep site facility for the CDMS-II experiment which is under construction, and on the status of the CDMS-II detector fabrication.