Astrophysics and Astronomy Commons^™

Extending The Reach Of Directional Dark Matter Experiments Through Novel Detector Technologies, Nguyen S. Phan

Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Dark matter is believed to comprise over 80% of the matter in the Universe. Its composition could be in the form of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), which are predicted by extensions of the Standard Model, namely supersymmetric theories. Even though hints of its existence were detected in astronomical observations over eighty years ago, its detection through means other than the gravitational influence on observable luminous matter still eludes us.

Currently, there are many ongoing direct detection experiments, that aim to measure the signals left by the elastic scattering of WIMPs with nuclei in the detector target material. The detection …

Probing Dark Matter-Neutrino Connection Via Indirect Detection Experiments, Bradley Knockel

Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Various evidence reveals that dark matter is a primary component of this universe. The amount of dark matter is known, but its identity is a mystery. To determine its properties, efforts to detect and produce dark matter are underway. Dark matter annihilations throughout the galaxy may produce photons, neutrinos, and cosmic rays. Neutrino and photon detectors may then indirectly detect dark matter by detecting these annihilation products. The annihilation rate, dark matter mass, and dark matter scattering rate off of matter affect the signals received at Earth. These signals can therefore probe the identity of dark matter, especially if dark …