Rare Event Searches Using Cryogenic Detectors via Direct Detection Methods

TL;DR

Cryogenic detectors are crucial in rare-event physics, enabling ultra-low energy detection for dark matter, neutrinos, and other rare particles through advanced sensors and background suppression techniques.

Contribution

This review summarizes detection principles, major experiments, recent results, and future directions of cryogenic detectors in rare-event searches.

Findings

Cryogenic detectors achieve energy thresholds of 1 eV to 100 eV.

They have successfully contributed to dark matter and neutrino research.

Upcoming initiatives aim to enhance sensitivity and expand search capabilities.

Abstract

Cryogenic detectors are at the forefront of rare-event search experiments, including direct detection of dark matter, coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering, neutrinoless double-beta decay, and searches for fractionally charged particles. Their unique ability to achieve ultra-low energy thresholds, typically O(eV-100 eV), together with excellent energy resolution and effective background suppression, makes them sensitive to extremely faint signals from rare interactions. These rare particle interactions produce phonons, ionization, or scintillation, depending on the target medium, which are registered by specialized sensors and converted into measurable signals. This review summarizes the underlying detection principles, surveys major experiments and recent results, examines forthcoming initiatives, and outlines the evolving role of cryogenic detectors in advancing the frontiers of rare-event physics.