A prototype of a directional detector for non-baryonic dark matter search: MIMAC (Micro-TPC Matrix of Chambers)

TL;DR

This paper presents a prototype micro-TPC detector capable of reconstructing 3D tracks of low-energy recoils, aiding in the search for non-baryonic dark matter by distinguishing between different particle interactions.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel micro-TPC prototype with pixelized read-out for 3D track reconstruction of keV recoils, advancing dark matter detection technology.

Findings

Successful discrimination between electrons and proton recoils at keV energies

Effective 3D track reconstruction demonstrated with neutron tests

Prototype shows promise for non-baryonic dark matter searches

Abstract

We have developed a micro-tpc using a pixelized bulk micromegas coupled to dedicated acquisition electronics as a read-out allowing to reconstruct the three dimensional track of a few keV recoils. The prototype has been tested with the Amande facility at the IRSN-Cadarache providing monochromatic neutrons. The first results concerning discrimination of a few keV electrons and proton recoils are presented.