Ultra-Low-Energy Germanium Detector for Neutrino-Nucleus Coherent Scattering and Dark Matter Searches

TL;DR

This paper reports on the development of ultra-low-energy germanium detectors with sub-keV sensitivities aimed at detecting neutrino-nucleus coherent scattering, neutrino magnetic moments, and WIMP dark matter, achieving significant thresholds and setting new limits.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new ultra-low-energy germanium detector technology with sub-keV sensitivity, enabling advanced searches for neutrino interactions and dark matter.

Findings

Achieved 100-200 eV energy threshold.

Set new limits for WIMPs with 3-6 GeV mass.

Demonstrated background levels comparable to underground experiments.

Abstract

The status and plans of a research program on the development of ultra-low-energy germanium detectors with sub-keV sensitivities are reported. We survey the scientific goals which include the observation of neutrino-nucleus coherent scattering, the studies of neutrino magnetic moments, as well as the searches of WIMP dark matter. In particular, a threshold of 100-200 eV and a sub-keV background comparable to underground experiments were achieved with prototype detectors. New limits were set for WIMPs with mass between 3-6 GeV. The prospects of the realization of full-scale experiments are discussed.