Direction-sensitive dark matter search results in a surface laboratory

TL;DR

This study demonstrates a direction-sensitive dark matter detection method using a gaseous tracking device in a surface lab, setting the first limits on spin-dependent WIMP-proton interactions and highlighting its potential for future dark matter research.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel gaseous tracking detector for direction-sensitive dark matter searches and establishes the first experimental limits on spin-dependent WIMP-proton cross sections.

Findings

Set the first limit on spin-dependent WIMP-proton cross section using a direction-sensitive method.

Demonstrated the feasibility of using gaseous tracking devices for dark matter detection.

Showed potential for future large-volume, low-background dark matter experiments.

Abstract

We developed a three-dimensional gaseous tracking device and performed a direction-sensitive dark matter search in a surface laboratory. By using 150 Torr carbon-tetrafluoride (CF_4 gas), we obtained a sky map drawn with the recoil directions of the carbon and fluorine nuclei, and set the first limit on the spin-dependent WIMP (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles)-proton cross section by a direction-sensitive method. Thus, we showed that a WIMP-search experiment with a gaseous tracking device can actually set limits. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this method will potentially play a certain role in revealing the nature of dark matter when a low-background large-volume detector is developed.