The search for light dark matter requires detectors capable of sensing extremely small energy deposits while also providing information about the direction of the incoming particles. Quantum sensors offer a promising path toward this goal due to their exceptional sensitivity, low noise characteristics, and ability to measure minute spatial or temporal signals. In this study, we explore a...
Direct dark matter searches using gaseous detectors observe nuclear recoil signals induced by dark matter interactions. However, these detectors measure only the ionization loss, which differs from the actual recoil energy. To evaluate this difference, we conducted an experiment to determine the ionization yield, defined as the ratio of ionization loss to nuclear recoil energy. The measurement...
In underground astroparticle experiments, radioactive impurities contained in detector materials should be reduced to extremely low levels. This study focuses on the analysis of alpha particles originating from material surfaces. We have been developing a time projection chamber (TPC) dedicated to detecting alpha-particle tracks from material surfaces. The TPC employs an optical readout system...
The Migdal effect associated with nuclear scattering is expected to enhance the sensitivity of direct dark matter searches. We aim to observe such events by irradiating a high-pressure Xe gas Time Projection Chamber (TPC) with neutrons. Background reduction is achieved by selecting neutron-nucleus elastic scattering events using liquid scintillators. In this poster, we report the analysis of...
We present a large-volume, wide–field-of-view Time Projection Chamber (TPC) for hard X-ray polarimetry, derived from technology developed for directional dark-matter searches. The detector uses a triple-GEM stack and optical readout: secondary scintillation is imaged by a scientific CMOS (sCMOS) camera, enabling 3D reconstruction of photoelectron tracks in gas. The prototype (3.7 cm radius, 5...
The CYGNO collaboration is developing a novel approach to direct dark matter searches based on a high-resolution optical Time Projection Chamber (TPC). Operating at atmospheric pressure in a He:CF₄ (60:40) gas mixture and equipped with a triple-GEM amplification stage, the detector records the scintillation light produced during electron avalanches. A hybrid optical readout, combining PMT...
We evaluate the local dark matter density and velocity distribution using the public data from IllustrisTNG, one of the cosmological simulations. In direct detection experiments, the local dark matter density and velocity distribution are used, and the evaluation of the experimental results depends strongly on these quantities. Astronomical observations suggest that the local dark matter...
The MIRACLUE experiment aims to observe the Migdal effect using a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC) with micro-Pixel Chamber (μ-PIC). To manage the multi-channel readout requirements, we developed an integrated control and operation framework for multiple stand-alone existing DAQ boards. This poster presents an overview of the system, its configuration, and its operation during a neutron...
At the Kamioka Underground Laboratory, an inter-university facility named KERNEL has been organized to search for extremely rare phenomena. This facility is necessary for the successful construction of the ultra-low BG detector: KamLAND2. The facility will include a CLASS1 super-clean room, a clean air system, an ultra pure water system, and the experimental space for developing low...
