Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

The DarkSide-20k experiment

Andrea Zani

TL;DR

DarkSide-20k addresses direct dark matter detection with argon by suppressing radiogenic backgrounds, notably $^{39}$Ar, through underground argon (UAr) and a dual-phase LAr-TPC that records S1 and S2 signals under a uniform drift field of $E_{drift} \approx 200\,\mathrm{V/cm}$. The approach integrates membrane-cryostat technology from ProtoDUNE/SBND, a silicon-photomultiplier based light readout (NOA PDUs), and a neutron-veto strategy including Gd-doped acrylic to enable neutron tagging, along with a dedicated UAr production chain (URANIA/ARIA) to deliver ~100 t of liquid argon. The paper outlines detector design, infrastructure, photodetector development, argon supply, and milestones from 2023–2024, concluding with readiness for commissioning at the end of 2026. The work demonstrates scalable, high-purity argon detectors and advances the Global Argon Dark Matter Collaboration's program toward improved WIMP sensitivity and a path for large-scale argon detectors.

Abstract

The DarkSide-20k experiment represents the present goal of the Global Argon Dark Matter Collaboration program. Bringing together the experience from previous argon-based detectors, as well as the knowledge gained on large volume membrane cryostats developed within the DUNE program, the community is now building a dual-phase LAr-TPC equipped with SiPM arrays for light readout. The main goal of the experiment is to discover or to extend the current sensitivity limits on the search for dark matter WIMP-like particles. Currently, the experiment has entered the construction phase and the external cryostat is being put in place at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS), Italy. Detector construction will follow, and data taking is expected to start in late 2026. This contribution will introduce the DarkSide detector and goals, and it will report on the ongoing construction of the underground infrastructure at LNGS. Finally, it will concentrate on the current activities on large arrays of silicon light detectors, that are at the base of the construction of the detector light readout system.

The DarkSide-20k experiment

TL;DR

DarkSide-20k addresses direct dark matter detection with argon by suppressing radiogenic backgrounds, notably Ar, through underground argon (UAr) and a dual-phase LAr-TPC that records S1 and S2 signals under a uniform drift field of . The approach integrates membrane-cryostat technology from ProtoDUNE/SBND, a silicon-photomultiplier based light readout (NOA PDUs), and a neutron-veto strategy including Gd-doped acrylic to enable neutron tagging, along with a dedicated UAr production chain (URANIA/ARIA) to deliver ~100 t of liquid argon. The paper outlines detector design, infrastructure, photodetector development, argon supply, and milestones from 2023–2024, concluding with readiness for commissioning at the end of 2026. The work demonstrates scalable, high-purity argon detectors and advances the Global Argon Dark Matter Collaboration's program toward improved WIMP sensitivity and a path for large-scale argon detectors.

Abstract

The DarkSide-20k experiment represents the present goal of the Global Argon Dark Matter Collaboration program. Bringing together the experience from previous argon-based detectors, as well as the knowledge gained on large volume membrane cryostats developed within the DUNE program, the community is now building a dual-phase LAr-TPC equipped with SiPM arrays for light readout. The main goal of the experiment is to discover or to extend the current sensitivity limits on the search for dark matter WIMP-like particles. Currently, the experiment has entered the construction phase and the external cryostat is being put in place at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS), Italy. Detector construction will follow, and data taking is expected to start in late 2026. This contribution will introduce the DarkSide detector and goals, and it will report on the ongoing construction of the underground infrastructure at LNGS. Finally, it will concentrate on the current activities on large arrays of silicon light detectors, that are at the base of the construction of the detector light readout system.
Paper Structure (6 sections, 3 figures)

This paper contains 6 sections, 3 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. DarkSide-20k concept and physics goals
  2. Atmospheric and Underground Argon
  3. The DarkSide-20k detector
  4. AAr cryostat and infrastructure construction
  5. Photo-Detectors and NOA
  6. Outlook

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: Current design of the DarkSide-20k detector, shown in section views. Left, Inner Detector and Inner Veto, hosted in their SS vessel. Right, detector hanging on the roof of the AAr cryostat, along with installed feedthroughs for support and signal extraction. See text for details.
  • Figure 2: Left, AAr cryostat external structure, completed, in LNGS Hall C. Right, exploded view of the cryostat structure, including support beams, insulating foam and internal membrane. Details in text.
  • Figure 3: Photon Detections Units in DS20k: 24 SiPMs are ganged together in a Tile (left); 16 Tiles are grouped in a PDU, i.e. four readout channels (centre); 264 PDUs are installed on each Optical Plane (right).