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The Search for Low Mass Dark Matter with the NEWS-G and SBC Experiments
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- Author / Creator
- Durnford, Daniel J
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The search for particle dark matter has been ongoing for several decades to date, without any conclusive evidence of detection events. While large, tonne-scale experiments accumulate exposure (larger masses and longer data taking) in hopes of finding this elusive signal, other experiments are expanding the search to include novel detector technologies and non-traditional dark matter candidates. Even more so than usual, it is critical to have a robust understanding of the physics of these detectors to make a credible claim of discovery, or to exclude the existence of dark matter. Among these are the NEWS-G and SBC collaborations, which utilize spherical proportional counters (SPCs) and scintillating bubble chambers (SBCs) respectively. This thesis presents the progress made in the characterization and understanding of the physics relevant to both technologies. This includes measurements of the ionization yield of SPCs, the development of novel radon removal systems, and the measurement of the bubble creation efficiency of nuclear recoils in both more traditional C3F8 bubble chambers, as well as a liquid xenon SBC. Also presented is the full analysis and physics results of a NEWS-G dark matter search campaign in pure methane gas, establishing world-leading exclusions limits on low-mass dark matter with a spin-dependent coupling with protons.
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- Graduation date
- Spring 2024
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Doctor of Philosophy
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.