TREX-DM: a low background Micromegas-based TPC for low-mass WIMP detection

Iguaz, F J (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Garza, J G (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Aznar, F ; Castel, J F (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Cebrián, S (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Dafni, T (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; García, J A ; Irastorza, I G (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Lagraba, A ; Luzón, G (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Peiró, A

Resumen: Dark Matter experiments are recently focusing their detection techniques in low- mass WIMPs, which requires the use of light elements and low energy threshold. In this context, we describe the TREX-DM experiment, a low background Micromegas-based TPC for low-mass WIMP detection. Its main goal is the operation of an active detection mass ~0.3 kg, with an energy threshold below 0.4 keVee and fully built with previously selected radiopure materials. This work describes the commissioning of the actual setup situated in a laboratory on surface and the updates needed for a possible physics run at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory (LSC) in 2016. A preliminary background model of TREX-DM is also presented, based on a Geant4 simulation, the simulation of the detector’s response and two discrimination methods: a conservative muon/electron and one based on a neutron source. Based on this background model, TREX-DM could be competitive in the search for low-mass WIMPs. In particular it could be sensitive, e.g., to the low-mass WIMP interpretation of the DAMA/LIBRA and other hints in a conservative scenario.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/718/4/042026

Año: 2016

Publicado en: Journal of physics. Conference series 718 (2016), 042026 [5 pp.]
ISSN: 1742-6588

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.24 - Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous) (Q3)

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/FP7/ 240054/EU/Novel Developments in Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) for Rare Event Searches in Underground Astroparticle EXperiments/TREX
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MINECO-FEDER/FPA2011-24058
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MINECO/FPA2013-41085-P

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Proy. investigación HCA (Dpto. Física Teórica)
Área (Departamento): Área Física Atóm.Molec.y Nucl. (Dpto. Física Teórica)