ARGO - Development of next-generation argon dark matter search

ARGO - 下一代氩暗物质搜索的开发

• 批准号: SAPPJ-2021-00018
• 负责人: Boulay, Mark
• 金额: $ 16.03万
• 依托单位: Carleton University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Subatomic Physics Envelope - Project
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=762418
• 关键词: ARGO; Development; next; generation; argon

The dark matter problem has been around since the 1930's, since which time we have consistently found a significant excess of matter in galaxies or galaxy clusters beyond that explained by our observations of conventional matter, implying strongly that there exists a yet undiscovered form of matter that pervades the universe and far outweighs the conventional matter, by a factor of approximately 5 to 1. Direct observation of a dark matter particle would have strong implications for both astrophysics and particle physics. High-mass dark matter particles, for which the proposed experimental program has strong sensitivity, remain as very viable candidates in the search for dark matter. After the successful demonstration of argon as a dark matter target, the DEAP-3600 collaboration has joined in founding a new Global Argon Dark Matter Collaboration aimed at a phased approach towards an ultimate multihundred tonne argon detector for dark matter at SNOLAB, with ultimate sensitivity to the neutrino floor, defined by the region where backgrounds from neutrino interactions limit further sensitivity. The first step in that program is the DarkSide-20k (DS-20k) experiment, already under construction at LNGS in Italy, utilizing a sensitive target of 20 tonnes of argon, to be followed by the larger detector - ARGO. We are requesting here support for the early development of the ARGO concept. The research includes development of a detailed detector simulation and evaluation and evaluation of photodetector options to determine detector performance using wavelength-shifters (as all previous argon dark matter detectors have used), or using novel UV-sensitive photodetectors, as well development of a full detector background model. A strong component of the research includes the further development of novel and large-area 3D digital silicon photomultipliers, which are a crucial enabling component of the long-term argon dark matter program. This new technology, being pioneered by the research team, will revolutionize the detection of single photons, with broad applications that will allow improvements in not only astroparticle physics experiments, but also with a myriad of other potential scientific and commercial possibilities. It is strategically important to undertake early the study of the production and reliability of these devices, taking advantage of strong industrial ties in Canada, to ensure the required performance can be met. The proposed research also includes development related to the extraction of several hundred tonnes of low-radioactivity argon - an ultrasensitive assay system for the radioactive isotope 39Ar. The research program includes novel detector development, builds on existing investments and expertise, has strong ties to industrial partners and the over 400-member Global Argon Dark Matter collaboration. The research will lay the groundwork for the future experimental dark matter program, with strong opportunities for HQP training.

暗物质问题自20世纪30年代以来就一直存在，从那时起，我们一直在星系或星系团中发现了大量的物质，超出了我们对常规物质的观测所能解释的范围，这强烈暗示着宇宙中存在着一种尚未发现的物质形式，它远远超过了常规物质，大约是5比1。对暗物质粒子的直接观测将对天体物理学和粒子物理学产生重大影响。高质量的暗物质粒子，其中所提出的实验计划具有很强的灵敏度，仍然是非常可行的候选人在寻找暗物质。 在成功演示氩作为暗物质目标之后，DEAP-3600合作已经加入了一个新的全球氩暗物质合作组织，旨在分阶段实现SNOLAB的最终数百吨氩暗物质探测器，对中微子底具有最终灵敏度，由中微子相互作用背景限制进一步灵敏度的区域定义。该方案的第一步是已在意大利LNGS建造的DarkSide-20 k（DS-20 k）实验，利用20吨氩的灵敏靶，然后是更大的探测器-- ARGO。我们在此请求对ARGO概念的早期开发提供支持。该研究包括开发详细的探测器模拟和评估光电探测器选项，以确定使用波长转换器（如所有以前的氩暗物质探测器所使用的）或使用新型紫外敏感光电探测器的探测器性能，以及开发完整的探测器背景模型。该研究的一个重要组成部分包括进一步开发新型大面积3D数字硅光电倍增管，这是长期氩暗物质计划的关键组成部分。这项由研究团队开创的新技术将彻底改变单光子的探测，其广泛的应用不仅可以改进天体粒子物理实验，还可以改进无数其他潜在的科学和商业可能性。尽早对这些设备的生产和可靠性进行研究具有重要的战略意义，利用加拿大强大的工业联系，以确保满足所需的性能。拟议的研究还包括与提取数百吨低放射性氩有关的开发-放射性同位素39 Ar的超灵敏分析系统。该研究计划包括新型探测器开发，建立在现有投资和专业知识的基础上，与工业合作伙伴和400多名成员组成的全球氩暗物质合作组织有着密切的联系。这项研究将为未来的实验暗物质计划奠定基础，并为HQP培训提供强大的机会。