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Towards a Reliable Model for Dark Matter Search Experiments

Objective

There is ample evidence that our Milky Way is embedded in a halo of Dark Matter. While the sun is revolving around the galactic center, it moves through this halo resulting in a constant Dark Matter wind on earth. The revolution of the earth around the sun produces then an annual modulation of the intensity of this wind. Dark Matter detection experiments have produced contradicting results so far. While the DAMA/LIBRA experiment reports the measurement of an annual modulation consistent with a Dark Matter signal, other experiments have not seen an interaction so far. The SABRE experiment aims to shed light on this controversy by detecting the annual modulation in the same target material as DAMA but with improved the sensitivity and using twin detectors in the northern and southern hemispheres. SABRE is currently preparing for a proof of principle at the same underground laboratory in Italy where DAMA operates, and will upgrade afterwards to the full-scale experiment.
This fellowship will enable me to drive the SABRE experiment through the proof-of-principle stage to the full-scale instrument. To fully understand the detector response to a dark matter signal or background radiation, end-to-end simulations are essential: I plan to include the interaction of the incoming particle/radiation with the detector, signal dispersion and collection including a full optical model, as well as the subsequent processing by the data acquisition electronics. Measurements with a high-purity crystal during the proof- of-principle phase will allow their intrinsic radiopurity to be fully characterized, which is a key input to the simulation. I will also measure the optical properties of the materials involved, another crucial part of the end-to-end simulation software. Using these results, I will also optimize the light collection efficiency of the detector and, with that, the sensitivity of the full-scale experiment.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015

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Coordinator

IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 195 454,80
Address
SOUTH KENSINGTON CAMPUS EXHIBITION ROAD
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Westminster
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 195 454,80
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