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 Time Projection Chamber 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 focuses on the commissioning of the actual setup situated in a laboratory on surface. A preliminary background model of the experiment is also presented, based on Geant4 simulations and two discrimination methods: a conservative muon/electron and one based on a 252Cf source. Based on this model, TREX-DM could be competitive in the search for low mass WIMPs and, in particular, it could be sensitive to the WIMP interpretation of the DAMA/LIBRA hint.
@article{arxiv.1509.02035,
title = {Comissioning of TREX-DM, a low background Micromegas-based Time Projection Chamber for low mass WIMP detection},
author = {F. J. Iguaz and J. G. Garza and F. Aznar and J. F. Castel and S. Cebrian and T. Dafni and J. A. Garcia and I. G. Irastorza and A. Lagraba and G. Luzon and A. Peiro},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1509.02035},
year = {2015}
}
Comments
Contributed to the 11th Patras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and WISPs, Zaragoza, June 22 to 26, 2015