Direct Dark Matter (DDM)
Dark matter remains one of the greatest mysteries in contemporary physics. While its gravitational effects are evident on cosmological scales, its nature remains unknown. Several hypotheses exist regarding its composition, including weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), axions, and particles from a hidden sector. Direct detection aims to identify these candidates by observing their potential interactions with ordinary matter using highly sensitive detectors.
The “direct dark matter detection” group of the A2C division is involved in several experiments exploring different mass ranges and interaction mechanisms of dark matter particles. The MADMAX experiment searches for axions by exploiting the emission of axion induced electromagnetic waves in a strong magnetic field. DAMIC-M, located at the Modane Underground Laboratory, uses ultra-low-noise CCD sensors to investigate the interactions of hidden sector particles with ordinary matter. Finally, the TESSERACT project is developing new technologies to further expand the scope of dark matter searches.
These experiments rely on cutting-edge technological advancements and interdisciplinary efforts combining instrumentation, modeling, and data analysis. By integrating different approaches and sensitivities, they contribute to exploring various aspects of dark matter and uncovering its true nature.