Glued CaWO4 Detectors for the CRESST-II Experiment

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new detector fabrication technique for the CRESST-II Dark Matter search, aiming to improve scintillator performance and expand material options.

Contribution

It presents a novel method for producing CaWO4 detectors that preserves scintillation properties, enhancing detector reliability and material versatility.

Findings

The new technique prevents scintillation degradation during tungsten film deposition.

It enables the use of a broader range of scintillator materials.

Potential for improved detector performance in Dark Matter experiments.

Abstract

The Cryogenic Rare Event Search with Superconducting Thermometers Phase II (CRESST-II) at the L.N.G.S in Italy is searching for Dark Matter using low-temperature calorimeters. These detectors allow to discriminate different particles by simultaneous measurement of phonons and scintillation light. The sensors used consist of superconducting tungsten thin-film thermometers, which measure the thermal effect of the phonons created in an attached absorber crystal. It has been observed that the scintillation of the CaWO4 absorber degrades during the process of depositing the tungsten film. In order to prevent this, a new technique for producing the detectors was investigated. This technique might also be valuable by expanding the range of scintillator materials suitable for producing a Dark Matter detector.