Wednesday 15 June 2011

Speaker:   Sam Henry (Oxford University)

Title:   "Latest results from the Edelweiss dark matter search".

Abstract:

Dark matter experiments have now reached the sensitivity required to search for neutralino 
WIMPs. Cryogenic detectors are the ideal instruments for this, as by operating at millikelvin 
temperature they can achieve an excellent sensitivity, resolution, energy threshold and 
background discrimination. I will discuss the latest results from the Edelweiss collaboration, 
who have set a limit on the WIMP cross section of 5^10-8pb using an array of ten 400g germanium 
detectors with interleaved electrodes. Edelweiss is now running with improved FID detectors, 
and aims to reach a limit of 5^10-9pb. This will be followed by EURECA, a collaboration 
including researchers from Edelweiss and CRESST aiming to build a tonne scale dark matter 
experiment aiming to reach even further.