Development of massive cryogenic detectors with low energy threshold to search for dark matter wimps

Objective

Research objectives and content
The CRESST ( Cryogenic Rare Event Search with Superconducting Thermometers) experiment, settled in the underground laboratory of Gran Sasso ( Abruzzi, Italy), looks for low-mass WIMPs as the 'dark matter' of our Galaxy using cryogenic calorimeters with superconducting phase transition thermometers developed at the Max-Planck Institute of Physics and the Technical University of Munich. In the first stage, four 262 g sapphire detectors with threshold of 0.5 keV and resolution of 0.2 keV at 1 keV will be used. This will provide sensitivity to WlMP masses below 10 GeV. My fellowship work for CRESST will concern the optimisation and test of the 262 g detectors.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
The cryogenic calorimeters technique is a field that involves investigating problems of different areas ( cosmology, solid state physics, thin film technology, radioactivity measurement) and dealing with sophisticated experimental apparatus ( UHV systems, dilution refrigerators). Therefore working on the CRESST experiment will help me to enlarge my experience as a physicist, both from scientific and technological points of view.
Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
Dark matter search is a pure research field, not strongly linked to industry. However the technological development of cryogenic detectors can be of interest also for industrial applications.

Programme(s)

• FP4-TMR - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of the training and mobility of researchers, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 0302 - Post-doctoral research training grants
• TP01 - Elementary Particles and Fields

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (1)