First Direct-Detection Results on Sub-GeV Dark Matter Using the SENSEI Detector at SNOLAB

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Abstract

We present the first results from a dark matter search using six Skipper-CCDs in the SENSEI detector operating at SNOLAB. We employ a bias-mitigation technique of hiding approximately 46% of our total data and aggressively mask images to remove backgrounds. Given a total exposure after masking of 100.72 gram-days from well-performing sensors, we observe 55 two-electron events, 4 three-electron events, and no events containing 4-10 electrons. The two-electron events are consistent with pileup from one-electron events. Among the 4 three-electron events, 2 appear in pixels that are likely impacted by detector defects, although not strongly enough to trigger our "hot-pixel"mask. We use these data to set world-leading constraints on sub-GeV dark matter interacting with electrons and nuclei.

Original languageEnglish
Article number011804
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume134
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 Jan 2025

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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