Snowmass CF1 Summary: WIMP Dark Matter Direct Detection

TL;DR

This paper summarizes the current status, projected sensitivities, and future directions of WIMP dark matter direct detection experiments, emphasizing the need for broad parameter space coverage and community consensus on experimental strategies.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of WIMP direct detection efforts, proposing a coordinated approach to explore diverse models and establish necessary infrastructure.

Findings

Current experiments have set stringent limits on WIMP interactions.

Projected sensitivities aim to cover a broad range of WIMP models.

Community consensus is established on experimental priorities and infrastructure needs.

Abstract

As part of the Snowmass process, the Cosmic Frontier WIMP Direct Detection subgroup (CF1) has drawn on input from the Cosmic Frontier and the broader Particle Physics community to produce this document. The charge to CF1 was (a) to summarize the current status and projected sensitivity of WIMP direct detection experiments worldwide, (b) motivate WIMP dark matter searches over a broad parameter space by examining a spectrum of WIMP models, (c) establish a community consensus on the type of experimental program required to explore that parameter space, and (d) identify the common infrastructure required to practically meet those goals.