The low energy spectrum of TeO2 bolometers: results and dark matter perspectives for the CUORE-0 and CUORE experiments

TL;DR

This study measures the low energy spectrum of TeO2 bolometers, identifies background features, and evaluates their potential for dark matter detection in CUORE-0 and CUORE experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a new analysis technique for low energy thresholds and provides the first detailed background characterization relevant for dark matter searches.

Findings

Achieved ~3 keV energy threshold in three bolometers.

Identified a background peak at 4.7 keV, confirmed by previous data.

Estimated sensitivities of CUORE-0 and CUORE to WIMP signals.

Abstract

We collected 19.4 days of data from four 750 g TeO2 bolometers, and in three of them we were able to set the energy threshold around 3 keV using a new analysis technique. We found a background rate ranging from 25 cpd/keV/kg at 3 keV to 2 cpd/keV/kg at 25 keV, and a peak at 4.7 keV. The origin of this peak is presently unknown, but its presence is confirmed by a reanalysis of 62.7 kg.days of data from the finished CUORICINO experiment. Finally, we report the expected sensitivities of the CUORE0 (52 bolometers) and CUORE (988 bolometers) experiments to a WIMP annual modulation signal.