Channeling in solid Xe, Ar and Ne direct dark matter detectors

TL;DR

This paper estimates the fraction of channeled recoiling ions in solid Xe, Ar, and Ne crystals, which affects the signals in direct dark matter detection experiments, using classical analytic models of channeling and blocking effects.

Contribution

It applies historical analytic models to estimate ion channeling fractions in noble gas crystals relevant for dark matter detection.

Findings

Estimated channeling fractions for Xe, Ar, Ne crystals.

Implications for interpreting signals in dark matter detectors.

Provides a basis for improved signal modeling in experiments.

Abstract

The channeling of the ion recoiling after a collision with a WIMP changes the ionization signal in direct detection experiments, producing a larger scintillation or ionization signal than otherwise expected. We give estimates of the fraction of channeled recoiling ions in solid Xe, Ar and Ne crystals using analytic models produced since the 1960's and 70's to describe channeling and blocking effects.