Abstract

A large fraction of the matter density in the Universe is thought to be dark matter. There is significant astrophysical evidence to support its existence and a several experiments worldwide, housed in underground laboratories, aim to directly detect this dark matter. Various complementary technologies are being used and this talk focuses on cryogenic detectors, operating in the milli-Kelvin temperature range, very close to absolute zero. I will review existing experiments, such as EDELWEISS , CRESST and CDMS and outline the technological aspects as well as the long-term future which involves building very large scale experiments, such as EURECA , for example. A major advantage of EURECA is its multi-element dark matter target, a key requisite for WIMP identification.

There will be a wine reception after the talk with the guest speaker.

Free for members, £2 for non-members.