Status of the PICASSO Project

TL;DR

The Picasso project is a dark matter search experiment using superheated droplet detectors, with recent deployment at SNO observatory providing preliminary data and limits on neutralino interactions.

Contribution

This paper reports the status of the ongoing Picasso dark matter search, including new detector deployment, data analysis, and initial limits on particle interaction cross sections.

Findings

Successful deployment of detectors at SNO observatory

Preliminary data analysis conducted

Initial limits set on neutralino interaction cross section

Abstract

The Picasso project is a dark matter search experiment based on the superheated droplet technique. Preliminary runs performed at the Picasso Lab in Montreal have showed the suitability of this detection technique to the search for weakly interacting cold dark matter particles. In July 2002, a new phase of the project started. A batch of six 1-liter detectors with an active mass of approximately 40g was installed in a gallery of the SNO observatory in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada at a depth of 6,800 feet (2,070m). We give a status report on the new experimental setup, data analysis, and preliminary limits on spin-dependent neutralino interaction cross section.