In Search of Cosmic-Ray Antinuclei from Dark Matter with the GAPS Experiment

Mengjiao Xiao, T. Aramaki, R. Bird, M. Boezio, S. E. Boggs, V. Bonvicini, D. Campana, W. W. Craig, E. Everson, L. Fabris, H. Fuke, F. Gahbauer, I. Garcia, C. Gerrity, C. J. Hailey, T. Hayashi, C. Kato, A. Kawachi, S. Kobayashi, M. KozaiA. Lenni, A. Lowell, M. Manghisoni, N. Marcelli, B. Mochizuki, S. A.I. Mognet, K. Munakata, R. Munini, Y. Nakagami, J. Olson, R. A. Ong, G. Osteria, K. Perez, S. Quinn, V. Re, E. Riceputi, B. Roach, F. Rogers, J. A. Ryan, N. Saffold, V. Scotti, Y. Shimizu, M. Sonzogni, R. Sparvoli, A. Stoessl, A. Tiberio, E. Vannuccini, P. von Doetinchem, T. Wada, M. Xiao, M. Yamatami, A. Yoshida, T. Yoshida, G. Zampa, J. Zweerink

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

Abstract

The General Antiparticle Spectrometer (GAPS) is the first experiment optimized to identify low-energy (.0.25 GeV/n) cosmic antinuclei, in particular antideuterons from dark matter annihilation or decay. The GAPS program will deliver unprecedented sensitivity to cosmic antideuterons, an essentially background-free signature of various dark matter models, as well as a high-statistics antiproton spectrum in the unexplored low-energy range, and leading sensitivity to cosmic antihelium. GAPS is currently under construction. The first Antarctic balloon flight of GAPS is planned for late 2022, and two additional flights are planned for the coming years. Based on measurements of our custom-developed instrument technology, including large-area lithium-drifted silicon (Si(Li)) detectors and a large-acceptance time-of-flight system, as well as detailed instrument simulation and reconstruction studies, we present here the anticipated impact of the GAPS program on dark matter searches. This contribution discusses the current status of cosmic antinuclei studies while focusing on the science potential of GAPS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number494
JournalProceedings of Science
Volume395
StatePublished - Mar 18 2022
Event37th International Cosmic Ray Conference, ICRC 2021 - Virtual, Berlin, Germany
Duration: Jul 12 2021Jul 23 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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