The CRESST experiment: towards the next-generation of sub-GeV direct dark matter detection

TL;DR

The paper discusses the planned upgrade of the CRESST experiment to enhance sensitivity to sub-GeV dark matter particles, detailing experimental strategies, challenges, and future scientific goals.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive plan for the next-generation CRESST experiment, including detector design, background mitigation, and projected sensitivities for sub-GeV dark matter detection.

Findings

Projected sensitivity improvements over current limits

Strategies for background reduction at low energies

Potential for new scientific applications in dark matter research

Abstract

Direct detection experiments have established the most stringent constraints on potential interactions between particle candidates for relic, thermal dark matter and Standard Model particles. To surpass current exclusion limits a new generation of experiments is being developed. The upcoming upgrade of the CRESST experiment will incorporate $\mathcal{O}$(100) detectors with different masses ranging from $\sim$2g to $\sim$24g, aiming to achieve unprecedented sensitivity to sub-GeV dark matter particles with a focus on spin-independent dark matter-nucleus scattering. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the planned upgrade, detailed experimental strategies, anticipated challenges, and projected sensitivities. Approaches to address and mitigate low-energy excess backgrounds $-$ a key limitation in previous and current sub-GeV dark matter searches $-$ are also discussed. In addition, a long-term roadmap for the next decade is outlined, including other potential scientific applications.