Speaker
Description
Next-generation experiments searching for dark matter particles are aiming to reach the
neutrino fog, thus requiring unprecedented low levels of backgrounds while
simultaneously maximizing target mass. This increases technical challenges and
complexity as well as the cost, necessitating large collaborations. As the field advances,
the community will need to continue consolidating on a few technologies in order to
realize experiments capable of probing the remaining WIMP parameter space, with the
opportunity to also measure solar neutrinos and atmospheric neutrinos via coherent
neutrino-nucleus scattering.
Two-phase xenon time-projection chamber technology has emerged as an attractive
approach for rare-event search experiments. It has been well established and multiple
detectors of a few tons of Xe are currently searching for signatures of dark matter.
Based on the successful operation of XENONnT and LZ, the XLZD collaboration is
proposing to deploy nominally 60 tonnes of Xe in an experiment capable of reaching the
neutrino fog. One additional advantage of xenon-targets is the natural abundance of the
double-beta decaying isotope Xe-136. Given its size and low background levels, XLZD
will also have a significant sensitivity to neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ). This
possibility unites two rare-event search communities, DM and 0νββ, hence increasing
the chances of realizing a flagship experiment capable of exploring a significant
parameter space for two of the most compelling contemporary physics searches.
I will discuss general challenges of realizing next-generation rare-event search
experiments and the opportunities that arise from merging the DM and 0νββ scientific
interests in XLZD. A united community can realize a coherent, collaborative xenon
program capable of delivering transformative discoveries in neutrino and dark matter
physics.