Direct Dark Matter Search using CCDs

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of high-resistivity CCD detectors with ultra-low thresholds for detecting low-mass dark matter particles, addressing current detection challenges.

Contribution

It introduces a novel dark matter search method using high-resistivity CCDs with unprecedented low recoil detection thresholds.

Findings

Demonstrates the feasibility of using hr-CCD detectors for low-mass DM detection

Highlights the advantages of low readout noise and large active mass in hr-CCDs

Suggests potential for discovering DM particles below 10 GeV

Abstract

There is currently vast evidence for Dark Matter (DM) from astronomical observations. However, in spite of tremendous efforts by large experimental groups, there is no confirmed direct detection of the dark matter in our galaxy. Recent experimental results and theoretical developments suggest the possibility of a DM particle with mass below 10 GeV, such a particle would escape most of the direct searches due to the large thresholds for the detection of nuclear recoils typically used. In this work we study the possibility of a new Dark Matter search with an unprecedented low threshold for the detection of nuclear recoils using high-resistivity CCD detectors (hr-CCD). Due to their extremely low readout noise and the relatively large active mass, these detectors present a unique opportunity in this field.