Title : |
Dark Matter Physics at SNOLAB: |
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Speaker | : | Anthony J Noble, Queen\'s University, Canada |
Date | : | November 25, 2013 |
Time | : | 12:00 PM |
Venue | : | Meghnad Saha Auditorium (Lecture Hall 1) |
Abstract | : |
SNOLAB, located 2 km underground in Sudbury, Canada, is an international facility dedicated to astroparticle physics research. SNOLAB has a rich program in Dark Matter Physics, with several experiments already setting world-leading limits, and new experiments under construction, or being planned. The DEAP-3600 experiment will use 3600 kg of liquid argon as a target material, and has the potential to reach the best sensitivity for spin-independent WIMP interactions in the next few years. A complementary program using superheated fluids is being explored by the PICASSO and COUPP collaborations, who have now merged to form the PICO collaboration. These experiments are particularly sensitive to spin-dependent interactions. They also probe the low mass region of phase space where there have been controversial hints of a dark matter signal. The physics prospects and status of the DEAP-3600 Argon and PICO superheated fluid programs will be described. |