The MIGDAL experiment: Measuring a rare atomic process to aid the search for dark matter

Understand

We present the Migdal In Galactic Dark mAtter expLoration (MIGDAL) experiment aiming at the unambiguous observation and study of the so-called Migdal effect induced by fast-neutron scattering.

• It is hoped that this elusive atomic process can be exploited to enhance the reach of direct dark matter search experiments to lower masses, but it is still lacking experimental confirmation.
• Our goal is to detect the predicted atomic electron emission which is thought to accompany nuclear scattering with low, but calculable, probability, by deploying an Optical Time Projection Chamber filled with a low-pressure gas based on CF$_4$.
• Initially, pure CF$_4$ will be used, and then in mixtures containing other elements employed by leading dark matter search technologies -- including noble species, plus Si and Ge.