Phonon-mediated High-voltage Detector with Background Rejection for Low-mass Dark Matter and Reactor Coherent Neutrino Scattering Experiments

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel phonon-mediated silicon detector capable of low-voltage phonon measurement and high-voltage ionization amplification, enhancing background rejection for low-mass dark matter and neutrino experiments.

Contribution

It demonstrates a monolithic silicon detector with combined phonon and ionization measurements, enabling improved background discrimination at low energies.

Findings

Successful characterization of charge and phonon transport.

Effective background discrimination at low energies.

Potential for increased sensitivity in dark matter and neutrino detection.

Abstract

We report the first demonstration of a phonon-mediated silicon detector technology that provides a primary phonon measurement in a low-voltage region, and a simultaneous indirect measurement of the ionization signal through Neganov-Trofimov-Luke amplification in a high voltage region, both in a monolithic crystal. We present characterization of charge and phonon transport between the two stages of the detector and the resulting background discrimination capability at low energies. This new detector technology has the potential to significantly enhance the sensitivity of dark matter and coherent neutrino scattering experiments beyond the capabilities of current technologies that have limited discrimination at low energies.