Directional detection of Dark Matter

TL;DR

Directional detection techniques for Dark Matter, especially WIMPs, can unambiguously identify signals and differentiate between halo models, with the DMTPC detector exemplifying these methods.

Contribution

This paper reviews the motivation for directional Dark Matter detection and details the DMTPC detector's design and capabilities.

Findings

Directional detection can distinguish WIMP signals from backgrounds.

The DMTPC detector effectively measures WIMP arrival directions.

Directional methods can differentiate between Galactic halo models.

Abstract

Among the many experimental techniques available, those providing directional information have the potential of yielding an unambiguous observation of WIMPs even in the presence of insidious backgrounds. A measurement of the distribution of arrival direction of WIMPs can also discriminate between Galactic Dark Matter halo models. In this article, I will discuss the motivation for directional detectors and review the experimental techniques used by the various experiments. I will then describe one of them, the DMTPC detector, in more detail.