NITPC technical work in progress and sketch for a WIMP observatory

Abstract

Direction-sensitive WIMP detection is important for conclusively identifying a halo-WIMP signal. It would also make possible the study of galactic halo dynamics through WIMP astronomy. A large low-pressure Negative Ion TPC (NITPC) is the only technique presently known which is capable of direction sensitive WIMP detection. Several advances in NITPC technology reported here. A new capture agent (CH3NO3) with several advantages over the standard CS2 is identified. Simulations with GARFIELD show that tracks completely contained within a single drift cell can be measured using the ‘‘radial drift chamber’’ structure proposed by Nygren. DRIFT I neutron source calibration data is shown in which the ‘‘head-tail’’ orientation of tracks is able to be determined. (Supported by the U.S. NSF under NSF-PHY-0300766.)