http://arxiv.org/abs/1402.0466
Recent reference [Vavra, 2014] touched on a possibility that the DAMA experiment [Bernabei, 2013] observes the WIMP via molecular excitations of OH-molecules, left in the NaI(Tl) material as an impurity. Independently of the outcome of this particular investigation, we think that the Dark matter search should be expanded into a domain of detectors sensitive to molecular excitations, and therefore make searches more sensitive. In this paper we investigate the fused silica material with large content of OH-molecules, which are intentionally loaded into this material to improve the radiation hardness and to reduce the UV sensitivity. The reason to investigate the fused silica is that this medium was well-measured and understood. We have also looked at a possiblity to use simple pure water to detect vibrations of water molecule and conclude that it is worthwhile to pursue further. Presently, we do not have suitable IR detectors to observe long wavelengths, however, some OH-molecular excitations extend to visible and UV wavelengths, and can be measured by Bialkali photocathodes. There are many other chemical substances with di-atomic molecules, which could be investigated along these lines as well.
Tue, 4 Feb 14
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