CoGeNT: A Search for Low-Mass Dark Matter using p-type Point Contact Germanium Detectors

Journal Article · Mon Jul 08 00:00:00 EDT 2013 · Physical Review. D, Particles and Fields, 88(1):Article No. 012002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.88.012002· OSTI ID:1194333

Aalseth, Craig E.; Barbeau, P. S.; Colaresi, J.; Collar, J. I.; Diaz Leon, J.; Fast, James E.; Fields, N.; Hossbach, Todd W.; Knecht, Andrea; Kos, Marek S.; Marino, Michael G.; Miley, Harry S.; Miller, M. L.; Orrell, John L.; Yocum, Michael

CoGeNT employs p-type point-contact (PPC) germanium detectors to search for Weakly In- teracting Massive Particles (WIMPs). By virtue of its low energy threshold and ability to reject surface backgrounds, this type of device allows an emphasis on low-mass dark matter candidates (m* * 10 GeV/c2). We report on the characteristics of the PPC detector presently taking data at the Soudan Underground Laboratory, elaborating on aspects of shielding, data acquisition, instru- mental stability, data analysis, and background estimation. A detailed background model is used to investigate the low energy excess of events previously reported, and to assess the possibility of temporal modulations in the low-energy event rate. We conclude that the technique is ideally suited to search for the annual modulation signature expected from dark matter particle interactions in the region of WIMP mass and coupling favored by the DAMA/LIBRA claim.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1194333
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-90298
• Journal Information: Physical Review. D, Particles and Fields, 88(1):Article No. 012002, Journal Name: Physical Review. D, Particles and Fields, 88(1):Article No. 012002
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English