UK Involvement in Direct Dark Matter Searches - Bridging 2012

Dark Matter Search with the EDELWEISS-III setup.

This grant gives UK researchers access to the EDELWEISS-III experiment, giving the right to authorship on major science publications, when they arise. This activity will support the training of highly skilled graduate students in areas highly sought after [track record in this] skills in software and firmware development.

Communications and Engagement: The proponents are well-known senior scientists in the area of experimental dark
matter search, with a track record in modelling, simulation of experiments and analysis of data (and of course readout
electronics, cryogenic detectors and scintillators). This grant allows participation in an existing experiment, giving data and
opportunities for communication via publications and talks to the beneficiaries of this research. Talks normally range from
seminars at UK universities and research establishments to teaching undergraduates and graduates new skills and include
lectures at schools and potentially to the wider general public. In the long run, participation in EDELWEISS-III is a requirement
and gives opportunities for securing major leading roles in the much larger EURECA experiment / collaboration.

Collaboration:
Participation in EDELWEISS is necessary for maintaining the roles of UK researchers in the field of dark matter research.The areas we are involved with in particular include, for example: simulation and modelling of the EDELWEISS setup to
estimate background contribution, adopting the "oxrop" software (written by Oxford) to slot in with the reset of the
EDELWEISS data analysis, low-radioactivity cabling and further engagement in electronic readout systems. Especially the
latter (cabling and electronics) has good potential for UK manufacturing return.

Exploitation and Application:
This proposal aims at UK scientists participating in EDELWEISS-III, with contributions on low-radioactive cryogenic cabling
and connectors, and access to data for exploitation. There is also opportunity to engage with electronics developments,
which could lead to commercial return, if a UK manufacturer can be identified and if funded. Graduate students will benefit
from this by learning new analysis techniques which they will later use to strengthen the economy. Recent graduate
students went to Tandberg (video conference equipment) and to a Tesella (creating and marketing sci-entific data analysis
software) as well as moving to post-doc positions in STFC exper-iments.

Capability:
Hans Kraus has many years of experience in the respective areas. In Oxford, there are graduate students Philip Coulter (STFC) and Xiahoe Zhang (funded from Chinese sources) who engage in this research. Having almost daily contact with Hans Kraus will ensure effective transfer of knowledge.