DMTPC-10L: Direction-Sensitive Dark Matter Detector Prototype

TL;DR

This paper presents a prototype detector capable of reconstructing the direction of dark matter particles, leveraging a low-density gas TPC with optical and charge readout, to aid in unambiguous dark matter detection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel direction-sensitive dark matter detector prototype using a 10-liter TPC with mesh electrodes and optical/charge readout, demonstrating initial directional reconstruction success.

Findings

Good performance in direction angle reconstruction

Effective sense ('head-tail') discrimination for low-momentum recoils

Prototype demonstrates potential for directional dark matter detection

Abstract

The known direction of motion of dark matter particles relative to the Earth may be a key for their unambiguous identification even in the presence of backgrounds. We describe a prototype detector that is able to reconstruct direction vectors of weakly interacting massive particles that may the dominant constituent of the dark matter in our galaxy. The detector uses a low-density gas (CF4) in a 10liter time-projection chamber with mesh-based electrodes and optical and charge readout. Initial results confirm good performance in the reconstruction of direction angle and sense ('head-tail') for low-momentum nuclear recoils.