DM-TPC: a new approach to directional detection of Dark Matter

TL;DR

The paper introduces DM-TPC, a novel directional dark matter detector using a low-pressure CF4 gas TPC with optical readout, capable of measuring recoil directionality to distinguish dark matter signals from backgrounds.

Contribution

It presents a new detector design that measures the direction and sense of nuclear recoils, demonstrating its effectiveness with prototype results and outlining plans for a full-scale underground detector.

Findings

Prototype successfully measured recoil directionality in neutron beam tests.

The design enables determination of recoil sense and direction.

Full-scale detector planned for underground operation in 2009.

Abstract

Directional detection can provide unambiguous observation of Dark Matter interactions even in presence of insidious backgrounds. The DM-TPC collaboration is developing a detector with the goal of measuring the direction and sense of nuclear recoils produced in Dark Matter interactions. The detector consists of a Time Projection Chamber with optical readout filled with CF$_4$ gas at low pressure. A collision between a WIMP and a gas molecule results in a nuclear recoil of 1-2 mm. The measurement of the energy loss along the recoil allows us to determine the sense and the direction of the recoil. Results from a prototype detector operated in a low-energy neutron beam clearly demonstrate the suitability of this approach to measure directionality. A full-scale module with an active volume of about one cubic meter is now being designed. This detector, which will be operated underground in 2009, will allow us to set competitive limits on spin-dependent Dark Matter interactions using a directional detector.