U. Wichoski

Improved spin dependent limits from the PICASSO dark matter search experiment

Abstract The PICASSO experiment reports an improved limit for the existence of cold dark matter WIMPs interacting via spin-dependent interactions with nuclei. The experiment is installed in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory at a depth of 2070 m. With superheated C4F10 droplets as the active material, and an exposure of 1.98 ± 0.19 kgu2009day , no evidence for a WIMP signal was found. For a WIMP mass of 29 GeV / c 2 , limits on the spin-dependent cross section on protons of σ p = 1.31 pb and on neutrons of σ n = 21.5 pb have been obtained at 90% C.L. In both cases, some new parameter space in the region of WIMP masses below 20 GeV / c 2 has now been ruled out. The results of these measurements are also presented in terms of limits on the effective WIMP-proton and neutron coupling strengths a p and a n .

Response of superheated droplet detectors of the PICASSO dark matter search experiment

We present results of systematic studies of the radiation response of superheated liquid droplet detectors, which are used in the PICASSO dark matter search experiment. This detection technique is based on the phase transitions of superheated liquid Freon droplets dispersed and trapped in a polymerized gel. Phase transitions can be induced by nuclear recoils following particle interactions and, in particular, interactions with Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs). These detectors are threshold devices since a minimal energy deposition is necessary to induce a phase transition and their sensitivity to various types of radiation depends strongly on the operating temperature and pressure. The sensitivity to neutrons, α-particles and γ-rays was determined as a function of these operating parameters and the results are compared with simulations. In particular, we present a complete characterization of the response of detector modules already in use for a dark matter search at the SNO site to detect WIMPs and discuss possible background sources.

Status of the Picasso project

The Picasso project is a dark matter search experiment based on the superheated droplet technique. Preliminary runs performed at the Picasso Laboratory in Montreal showed the suitability of this detection technique to the search for weakly interacting cold dark matter particles. In July 2002, a new phase of the project started. A batch of six 1-liter detectors with an active mass of approximately 40 g was installed in a gallery of the SNO observatory in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada at a depth of 6,800 feet (2,070 m). We give a status report on the new experimental setup, data analysis, and preliminary limits on spin-dependent neutralino interaction cross section.

Simulation of special bubble detectors for PICASSO

The PICASSO project is a cold dark matter (CDM) search experiment relying on the superheated droplet technique. The detectors use superheated freon liquid droplets (active material) dispersed and trapped in a polymerised gel. This detection technique is based on the phase transition of superheated droplets at about room temperature and ambient pressure. The phase transition is induced by nuclear recoils when an atomic nucleus in the droplets interacts with incoming subatomic particles. This includes CDM particles candidate as the neutralino (a yet-to-discover particle predicted in extensions of the standard model of particle physics). Simulations performed to understand the detector response to neutrons and alpha particles are presented along with corresponding data obtained at the Montreal Laboratory.

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE RESPONSE OF SUPERHEATED DROPLET (BUBBLE) DETECTORS

The PICASSO project is a cold dark matter (CDM) search experiment relying on the superheated droplet technique. The detectors use superheated freon liquid droplets (active material) dispersed and trapped in a polymerized gel. This detection technique is based on the phase transition of superheated droplets at room or moderate temperatures. The phase transitions are induced by nuclear recoils when undergoing interactions with particles, including CDM candidates such as the neutralinos predicted by supersymmetric models. The suitability of the technique for this purpose has been demonstrated by R&D studies performed over several years on detectors of various composition and volume. Simulations performed to understand the detector response to neutrons and alpha particles are presented along with corresponding data obtained at the Montreal Laboratory.

The PICASSO Direct Dark Matter Search Experiment

The PICASSO experiment is searching for cold dark matter through the direct detection of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), in particular neutralinos (χ) via their spin‐dependent interactions with nuclei. The experiment is installed in the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory Laboratory at a depth of 2070 m (6000 mwe). PICASSO makes use of the superheated droplet technique with C4F10 as the active material, and searches for χ interactions on 19F. The results of these measurements are presented in terms of limits on the spin‐dependent χ‐proton and χ‐neutron cross sections. Limits on the effective χ‐proton and χ‐neutron coupling strengths ap and an are also reported. The results exclude new regions of the spin‐dependent χ‐nucleon interaction parameter space. The next phase of PICASSO is briefly discussed.