The COSINUS project - a NaI-based cryogenic calorimeter for direct dark matter detection

TL;DR

The COSINUS project develops a NaI-based cryogenic calorimeter to enable direct comparison with DAMA/LIBRA and improve dark matter detection sensitivity through lower thresholds and particle discrimination.

Contribution

It introduces a novel cryogenic NaI detector design that enhances dark matter search capabilities and addresses current experimental tensions.

Findings

NaI cryogenic calorimeter prototype developed

Potential for lower recoil energy thresholds

Enhanced particle discrimination capabilities

Abstract

At present the results in the field of direct dark matter search are in tension: the positive claim of DAMA/LIBRA versus null results from other experiments. However, the comparison of the results of different experiments involves model dependencies, in particular because of the different target materials in use. The COSINUS R&D project aims to operate NaI as a cryogenic calorimeter. Such a detector would not only allow for a direct comparison to DAMA/LIBRA, but would also provide a low(er) nuclear recoil threshold and particle discrimination.