Novel photosensors for future dark matter direct detection experiments

This proposal describes the development of a novel photosensor technology for the DARWIN dark matter direct detection experiment.

Dark matter direct detection experiments and neutrino experiments have one major fact in common: many of them use photosensors. Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) have been the go-to technology for many decades. However PMTs are also delicate detectors which can develop problems like vacuum leaks or light emission.

The ABALONE photosensor described in this proposal has the potential to replace the old PMT technology.

It shows very promising properties like a low radioactive background, a large sensitive area and a low rate of false signals.

The aim of my project is to setup a testing facility and do a full characterisation of the ABALONE photosensor for its application in liquid noble elements.These measurements will decide if this novel sensor can be used for future direct detection experiments like DARWIN.

It has the potential to increased DARWIN´s sensitivity to discover WIMPs,  solar axions or other rare processes like the neutrinoless doubly beta decay. In addition this photosensor could be used by far more experiments in the future if the tests succeed.

Argon based direct detection experiments already showed their interest while neutrino experiments like NEXT or LEGEND are another natural field of application.