Hans Kraus

Abstract:

The CRESST II experiment is a dark matter search using cryogenic phonon-scintillation detectors, aiming to detect WIMP dark matter particle interactions. The detector consists of individual, modular and scintillating (CaWO4or ZnWO4) target crystals, each equipped with a phonon sensor for precise determination of the energy deposited in the crystals. Each module is further equipped with a separate cryogenic scintillation light detector, allowing event-by-event background discrimination. An extended commissioning run during 2007 has set an upper limit on theWIMP-nucleon scattering cross section. Attention is currently focussed on the interpretation of a few remaining nuclear recoils candidate events.

Abstract:

One of the most intriguing open questions in modern particle physics is the nature of the dark matter in our universe. As hypothetical weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) do interact with ordinary matter extremely rarely, their observation requires a very low-background detector environment regarding radioactivity as well as an advanced detector technique that allows for active discrimination of the still present radioactive contaminations. The CRESST experiment uses detectors operating at milli-Kelvin temperature. Energy deposition in the detectors is recorded via the simultaneous measurement of a phonon-mediated signal and scintillation emitted by the CaWO(4) crystal targets. The entire setup is made of carefully selected materials. In this note we report on the development of ultra-pure bronze (CuSn(6)) wire in small quantities for springs and clamps that are currently being used in the CRESST II setup.

Abstract:

European Underground Rare Event Calorimeter Array (EURECA) will be an astro-particle physics facility in the Laboratoire Souterrain de Modane, aiming to directly detect galactic dark matter. The EURECA collaboration unites CRESST, EDELWEISS and the Spanish-French experiment ROSEBUD, thus concentrating and focussing effort on cryogenic detector research in Europe into a single facility. The aim is to explore WIMP - nucleon scalar cross sections in the 10-9 - 10-10 picobarn region with a target mass of up to one ton. A major advantage of EURECA is the planned use of more than just one target material (multi target experiment for WIMP identification).

Abstract:

Results are presented of our latest research, aimed at the development and study of oxide scintillation crystals with high scintillation yield and low intrinsic radioactivity. We report on the improvement of these properties for conventional scintillators, as well as on new promising crystals based on metal tungstates and molybdates. The results are discussed in view of applying these materials in cryogenic experiments searching for dark matter or neutrinoless double beta decay. ©2008 IEEE.