Exploring possibilities for dark matter detection via atomic interactions

POSTER

Abstract

We investigate low mass WIMPs (at the GeV scale) and their potential for direct detection via atomic interactions. Due to these WIMPs having masses comparable to nucleons, detection of any nuclear recoil in scintillation experiments proves difficult. Instead, a WIMP-electron interaction resulting in atomic ionisation could be detected in conventional scintillators due to an enhanced scattering rate [1, 2]. Considering this possibility is important for assessing recent experimental results and upcoming scintillator-based dark matter searches.

[1] B. M. Roberts, V. V. Flambaum, and G. F. Gribakin, Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 023201 (2016)

[2] B. M. Roberts and V. V. Flambaum, Phys. Rev. D 100, 063017 (2019)

Publication: Most relevant previous work by co-authors:
B. M. Roberts and V. V. Flambaum, Phys. Rev. D 100, 063017 (2019)
Planned:
A. Caddell, B. Carew, V. V. Flambaum, and B. M. Roberts (2022)

Presenters

  • Ashlee Caddell

    • The University of Queensland

Authors

  • Ashlee Caddell

    • The University of Queensland

  • Ben Carew

    • The University of Queensland

  • Victor V Flambaum

    • University of New South Wales

  • Benjamin M Roberts

    • The University of Queensland
    • University of Queensland, Australia