Status of underground dark matter searches

by Nigel J.T. SMITH (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK)

Tuesday 16 Nov 1999, 16:30 → 16:45 Europe/Zurich

500/1-001 - Main Auditorium (CERN)

I will review the current status of direct underground searches for the neutralino, the hypothetical WIMP solution to the dark matter problem, focussing mainly on recent results from NaI scintillator detectors. Results of the current UK NaI detector array operated at Boulby mine in North Yorkshire will be discussed, illustrating a population of events of unknown origin. Diagnostic tests performed to investigate the origin of these anomalous events will be described, including alpha, beta and neutron calibrations. Future experiments with improved background discrimination and sensitivity will also be outlined.

Organiser(s): Jasper Kirkby / EP Division

Note: * Tea & coffee will be served at 16.00 hrs.