Nanomaterials - 16

Abstract

Unveiling the nature of dark matter is one of the most crucial challenges in modern science. Independent cosmological observations, including the cosmic microwave background and gravitation lensing, can be successfully explained by considering the collective gravitational effects of dark matter. However, since its particle properties cannot be described within the Standard Model of particle physics, dark matter is regarded as a new particle beyond the Standard Model. Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) is a promising candidates of dark matter, which can be detected through elastic scattering with nuclei.

I focus on diamond as a suitable detector material for WIMP searches. With its exceptionally high Debye temperature among crystals and the ability to form optical centers through impurities doping, diamond can function effectively as both a bolometer and a scintillator, enabling highly sensitive detection of nuclear recoils induced by WIMPs. I have been collaborating with Prof. Taniguchi and Prof. Miyakawa of the High-Pressure Structural Controls Group at MANA to develop diamond devices optimized for WIMP searches. In this poster, I will present my recent progress on detector development [1][2].