Toward directional detection of Dark Matter with the DM-TPC detector

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of a directional Dark Matter detector using a Time Projection Chamber with optical readout, capable of measuring recoil directions to distinguish Dark Matter interactions from backgrounds.

Contribution

It introduces a novel detector design that measures the direction and sense of nuclear recoils caused by Dark Matter, demonstrating its feasibility with prototype results.

Findings

Prototype detector successfully measured recoil directionality.

The approach can distinguish Dark Matter signals from backgrounds.

Design paves the way for competitive limits on spin-dependent Dark Matter interactions.

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 cubic meter prototype, which is now being designed, will allow us to set competitive limits on spin-dependent Dark Matter interactions using a directional detector.