Direct Detection of Cold Dark Matter

AI Thread Summary
The search for cold dark matter (DM) is advancing with a major program focused on detecting weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) through ultra-low background detectors. Technological progress has enabled deep underground experiments to achieve the sensitivity needed to explore supersymmetric particle models. The focus has shifted from merely detecting WIMPs to identifying their characteristics upon detection, utilizing various detector materials and target nuclei. Larger detectors, ranging from 100 kg to 1 ton, are being developed, which could significantly enhance the chances of discovering heavy dark matter particles. Despite ongoing efforts, the nature of dark matter remains elusive, with no definitive findings from current detectors or the Large Hadron Collider.
Garth
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
3,580
Reaction score
107
An interesting review paper of the search for DM particle(s): Direct Detection of Cold Dark Matter.
Conclusions
A major program to detect the tiny energy depositions when a galactic WIMP scatters off a nucleus in an ultra-low background detector is underway. After decades of technological developments, experiments operating deep underground have reached the sensitivities to probe realistic supersymmetric particle physics models. The major questions have shifted from ’how to detect a WIMP’ to ’how can we identify its nature in case of a signal’. A combination of different detector materials, coupled to using target nuclei with and without spin, will allow to determine the particle mass, and in some cases, to distinguish among different underlying theoretical models (recent studies can be found in [51,52,53]). Needless to say, additional information from accelerators and from indirect searches could allow to determine the local density and perhaps to constrain the sub-structure of the dark matter halo. While recent best limits on WIMP-nucleon cross sections are derived from kg-size experiments, larger, 100 kg - 1 ton size detectors are already under construction. These experiments will have a non-negligible chance of discovering a heavy dark matter particle and their results will strongly influence the design of next generation detectors.
The search continues.

Garth
 
Space news on Phys.org
Well twelve years later we are no nearer understanding what DM is...

Not found in any detector nor in the LHC...

My guess would be it is a scalar field, but then what do I know?

Garth
 
Abstract The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) has significantly advanced our ability to study black holes, achieving unprecedented spatial resolution and revealing horizon-scale structures. Notably, these observations feature a distinctive dark shadow—primarily arising from faint jet emissions—surrounded by a bright photon ring. Anticipated upgrades of the EHT promise substantial improvements in dynamic range, enabling deeper exploration of low-background regions, particularly the inner shadow...

Similar threads

Back
Top