The Search for Light Dark Matter with DAMIC

有强有力的宇宙学和天体物理学证据表明，冷暗物质是宇宙的主要组成部分。一个令人信服的解释是，迄今为止未知的弱相互作用大质量粒子(WIMP)的存在，世界范围内的一项实验工作正在进行中，以检验这一假说。到目前为止，暗物质的性质一直难以捉摸，它构成了科学中最基本的问题之一。它作为一种未知粒子的发现将对我们对宇宙的理解产生深远的影响，并在粒子物理学和宇宙学方面开辟新的方向。有了这个奖项，DAMIC计划将通过检测轻DM在电荷耦合器件(CD)中引起的核和电子反冲来寻找超出重WIMP假设的DM候选。目前在SNOLAB运行的DAMIC实验已经显示出对低质量DM颗粒的独特敏感性。身临其境的研究体验、当地社区的参与和创新的伙伴关系将把DM科学带给正式和非正式的受众。与专注于代表性不足的群体的项目合作开发的研究经验--例如芝加哥大学和费斯克-范德比尔特桥--将增强研究生和本科生水平的多样性。当地社区将在芝加哥广泛参与，通过将空间探索者计划和STEM科学探究和研究计划的高中URM学生整合到一个激励的研究环境中，通过加强针对URM中学生的RISE计划以及通过终身学习计划向老年人传播科学。到2018年年底，SNOLAB的DAMIC将在寻找低质量(5倍于质子质量)WIMP方面走在前列。DAMIC-M将利用SNOLAB的DAMIC经验，同时通过从根本上创新探测器技术，在灵敏度方面实现巨大飞跃。它的3600万像素的ccd将是有史以来最大的，每个20g。一种新的信号读出概念-基于像素电荷的重复的、不相关的测量的平均-将导致对单电子的高分辨率检测。通过计算极低泄漏电流的探测器中的单个电荷--这一组合是任何其他DM实验所无法比拟的--DAMIC-M将在探索隐藏区域方面开辟新的天地，这可能会得到偶然发现的奖励。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

There is strong cosmological and astrophysical evidence for cold dark matter as a major constituent of the universe. A compelling explanation is the existence of hitherto unknown Weakly-Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), and a world-wide experimental effort is on-going to test this hypothesis. The nature of Dark Matter, so far elusive, constitutes one of the most fundamental questions in science. Its discovery as a yet unknown particle would have profound implications in our understanding of the universe, and open new directions in particle physics and cosmology. With this award the DAMIC program will search for DM candidates beyond the heavy WIMP hypothesis by detecting nuclear and electronic recoils induced by light DM in charge coupled devices (CCDs). The DAMIC experiment currently in operation at SNOLAB has demonstrated unique sensitivity for low-mass DM particles. Immersive research experiences, engagement of the local community and innovative partnerships will bring DM science to formal and informal audiences. Research experiences developed in collaboration with programs focused on underrepresented groups - e.g., U. Chicago and Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge - will enhance diversity at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The local community will be broadly engaged in Chicago by integrating high school URM students of the Space Explorers Program and of the STEM Science Inquiry and Research program in a stimulating research environment, by enhancing the RISE program for URM middle-school students and by communicating science to older adults via the Life-long Learning program.DAMIC at SNOLAB will stride to the forefront in the search for low-mass (5 times the proton mass) WIMPs by the end of 2018. DAMIC-M will capitalize on the DAMIC experience at SNOLAB and, at the same time, take a giant leap forward in sensitivity by radically innovating the detector technology. Its 36 Mpixel CCDs will be the most massive ever built, 20 g each. A novel concept for signal readout - based on the averaging of repetitive, uncorrelated measurements of the pixel charge - will result in the high-resolution detection of single electrons. By counting individual charges in a detector with extremely low leakage current - a combination unmatched by any other DM experiment - DAMIC-M will break new ground in the exploration of the hidden sector, which may be rewarded with serendipitous discovery.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.