Light Dark Matter Search Using a Diamond Cryogenic Detector

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the use of diamond cryogenic detectors for direct detection of low-mass dark matter, setting new exclusion limits down to 0.122 GeV/c2 and highlighting diamond's potential as a target material.

Contribution

First implementation of a low-threshold cryogenic diamond detector for dark matter searches, establishing new exclusion limits and showcasing diamond's suitability for future experiments.

Findings

Achieved an energy threshold of 16.8 eV in one detector.

Set exclusion limits on dark matter interactions down to 0.122 GeV/c2.

Proved diamond's potential as a target material for dark matter detection.

Abstract

Diamond operated as a cryogenic calorimeter is an excellent target for direct detection of low-mass dark matter candidates. Following the realization of the first low-threshold cryogenic detector that uses diamond as absorber for astroparticle physics applications, we now present the resulting exclusion limits on the elastic spin-independent interaction cross-section of dark matter with diamond. We measured two 0.175 g CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) diamond samples, each instrumented with a W-TES. Thanks to the energy threshold of just 16.8 eV of one of the two detectors, we set exclusion limits on the elastic spin-independent interaction of dark matter particles with carbon nuclei down to dark matter masses as low as 0.122 GeV/c2. This work shows the scientific potential of cryogenic detectors made from diamond and lays the foundation for the use of this material as target for direct detection dark matter experiments.