The CRESST Dark Matter Search

TL;DR

CRESST is a cryogenic detector experiment that searches for dark matter WIMPs by detecting nuclear recoils through phonons and scintillation light, enhancing background discrimination and detection sensitivity.

Contribution

This paper reports on the current status of CRESST and introduces new detector development techniques for improved dark matter detection.

Findings

Enhanced background discrimination using simultaneous phonon and scintillation light measurement

Increased WIMP detection sensitivity due to new detector methods

Discussion of future perspectives for CRESST

Abstract

The current status of CRESST (Cryogenic Rare Event Search using Superconducting Thermometers) and new results concerning the detector development are presented. The basic technique of CRESST is to search for particle Dark Matter (WIMPS, Weakly Interacting Massive particles) by the measurement of non-thermal phonons as created by WIMP-induced nuclear recoils. Combined with the newly developed method of simultaneous measurement of scintillation light, strong background discrimination is possible, resulting in a substantial increase in WIMP detection sensitivity. The short and long term perspectives of CRESST are discussed.