Hans Kraus

Abstract:

Cryogenic detectors have been developed since the mid 1980s and have been applied successfully to dark-matter searches since the mid 1990s. Among the advantages of cryogenic detectors are their high sensitivity to nuclear recoil, their low detection thresholds, the wide choice of target materials and the possibility of implementing event type recognition on an event-by-event basis. I explain the basics of cryogenic detectors, review various implementations, discuss advantages and drawbacks and give an overview of current dark-matter-search experiments based upon cryogenic detectors.

Abstract:

Cryogenic detectors have been developed since the mid 1980s and have been applied successfully to dark-matter searches since the mid 1990s. Among the advantages of cryogenic detectors are their high sensitivity to nuclear recoil, their low detection thresholds, the wide choice of target materials and the possibility of implementing event type recognition on an event-by-event basis. I explain the basics of cryogenic detectors, review various implementations, discuss advantages and drawbacks and give an overview of current dark-matter-search experiments based upon cryogenic detectors.

Abstract:

Data taken by CRESST with a cryogenic detector system based on 262 g sapphire crystals has been used to place limits on WIMP dark matter. The experiment was especially sensitive for low-mass WIMPs with spin-dependent cross sections and improves on existing limits in this region.

Abstract:

Results of the CRESST experiment at Gran Sasso using 262-g sapphire calorimeters with tungsten phase transition thermometers are presented. Calibration and analysis methods are described. Data taken in 2000 have been used to place limits on WIMP dark matter particles in the Galactic halo. The sapphire defectors are especially sensitive to low-mass WIMPs with spin-dependent interaction and improve on existing limits in this region. (C) 2003 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".