The novel properties of SF$_6$ for directional dark matter experiments

Understand

SF$_{6}$ is an inert and electronegative gas that has a long history of use in high voltage insulation and numerous other industrial applications.

• Although SF$_{6}$ is used as a trace component to introduce stability in tracking chambers, its highly electronegative properties have limited its use in tracking detectors.
• In this work we present a series of measurements with SF$_{6}$ as the primary gas in a low pressure Time Projection Chamber (TPC), with a thick GEM used as the avalanche and readout device.
• The first results of an $^{55}$Fe energy spectrum in SF$_{6}$ are presented.