The EDELWEISS-II experiment

TL;DR

The EDELWEISS-II experiment is a low-background dark matter search using cryogenic germanium detectors to detect WIMP-induced nuclear recoils, with recent advancements in detector technology and increased mass for improved sensitivity.

Contribution

Introduction of new detector types with active surface event rejection and deployment of over 7 kg of germanium for enhanced dark matter detection capabilities.

Findings

Detectors achieved required performance levels for dark matter search.

Successful commissioning of the second phase with increased detector mass.

Enhanced background rejection methods implemented.

Abstract

EDELWEISS is a direct dark matter search situated in the low radioactivity environment of the Modane Underground Laboratory. The experiment uses Ge detectors at very low temperature in order to identify eventual rare nuclear recoils induced by elastic scattering of WIMPs from our Galactic halo. The commissioning of the second phase of the experiment, involving more than 7 kg of Ge, has been completed in 2007. Two new type of detectors with active rejection of events due to surface contamination have demonstrated the performances required to achieve the physics goal of the present phase.