Project for Direct Search for Dark Matter with Paleo-Detectors

Direct Search for Dark Matter with Paleo-Detectors

Although dark matter occupies about a quarter of the universe, its true nature remains elusive. This project attempted to detect dark matter directly with the ‘paleo detector’ technique, using minerals as detectors. Minerals may contain traces of interaction with dark matter over extended periods of geological time. Detection of these traces may allow a direct search for dark matter even with small sample sizes. This project conducted research on mantle-derived olivine, which was collected from the deep seafloor, was shielded from cosmic rays and had a low concentration of radioactive elements and low noise.