The application of Superheated Droplet Detectors (SDDs) to dark matter searches has so far been confined to the light nuclei refrigerants C2ClF5 and C4F10 (SIMPLE and PICASSO, respectively), with a principle sensitivity to spin-dependent interactions. Given the competitive results of these devices, as a result of their intrinsic insensitivity to backgrounds, we have developed a prototype trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I)-loaded SDD with increased sensitivity to spin-independent interactions as well. A low (0.102 kgd) exposure test operation of two large volume, high concentration devices is described, which permits an experimental assessment of the potential impact of a full-scale experiment, and verifies a problem area which must be addressed before proceeding to a larger search effort.
Revised: October 29, 2009 |
Published: October 1, 2008
Citation
Morlat T., M. Felizardo, F. Giuliani, T.A. Girard, G. Waysand, R.F. Payne, and H.S. Miley, et al. 2008.A CF3I-based SDD Prototype for Spin-independent Dark Matter Searches.Astroparticle Physics 30, no. 3:159-166.PNNL-SA-58481.