Prospects for a direct dark matter search using high resistivity CCD detectors

Abstract

The possibility of using CCD detectors in a low threshold direct detection dark matter search experiment is discussed. We present the main features of the DECam detectors that make them a good alternative for such an experiment, namely their low noise and their large depleted volume. The performance of the DECam CCDs for the detection of nuclear recoils is discussed, and a measurement of the ionization efficiency for these events is presented. Finally the plans and expected reach for the CCD Experiment at Low Background (CELB) are discussed.

Achieving sub electron noise in CCD systems by means of digital filtering techniques that lower 1/f pixel correlated noise

“…The limitation of the correlated noise estimation technique is given by the parameter covariance matrix of (10). There we see that the parameter estimation error is proportional to the variance of the White Gaussian noise and also proportional to (H T H) −1 .…”

“…The large thickness makes these CCDs massive; hence, excellent detectors for a number of high energy and nuclear physics applications. Just to mention one example, the DAMIC experiment (Dark Matter In CCDs) at the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory searches for Dark Matter by measuring the nuclear recoil energy of Weak Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) with the Si atom nuclei [10]. A sub electron noise CCD readout system allows sensitivities in the few eV region, which makes DAMIC the most sensitive detector for low mass WIMP search.…”

Development of a novel neutron detection technique by using a boron layer coating a Charge Coupled Device

“…The essence of the design is the capability to transfer charge onto a semiconductor surface from one storage capacitor to the next. Scientific CCDs, originally developed for photon detection, have been extensively used in ground and space-based astronomy, X-ray imaging and other particle detection applications [27]. The combination of high detection efficiency, low noise, good spatial resolution, low dark current and high charge transfer efficiency results in an excellent performance for detection of ionizing particles [28].…”