arXiv subjects

A. Erb

Publications and source records attributed to A. Erb.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Optimisation of TES design for the CRESST experiment

The CRESST experiment aims at the direct detection of sub-GeV dark matter particles via elastic scattering off nuclei in different target crystals at cryogenic temperatures. The advancement in W-TES sensors allowed the CRESST detectors to reach energy thresholds of 10 eV and lower, opening the way to the exploration of dark matter masses as low as 70 MeV/c2. This work presents optimisation studies of W-TESs aimed at further improving the signal-to-noise ratio and overall detector performance. In particular, we investigate the thickness, dimensions and material composition of phonon collectors and assess their impact on detector response. The results demonstrate a significant performance enhancement and establish new benchmarks for the sensors used within CRESST.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

ImpCresst -- A versatile simulation tool focusing on solid-state detectors at keV energies

We present ImpCresst, a Geant4-based Monte Carlo tool to simulate backgrounds from natural and cosmogenic radionuclides, and calibration signals in solid-state detectors and their response to it. It is tuned for a fast-evolving and heterogeneous detector environment with a focus on physics at the keV range. This tool was originally developed and validated by the CRESST collaboration; however, its flexibility and configurability make it suitable for other experiments with similar requirements. Key features of ImpCresst include the dynamic geometry implementation directly from CAD files, ROOT-based data persistency of the whole event topology and automatic metadata annotation for data provenance, and interfaces to various particle generators, particularly for radiogenic and cosmogenic radionuclides. It includes also a newly developed particle generator for radioactive bulk and surface contaminations which is completely independent of any user defined confinement volumes. The auxiliary tool CresstDS applies detector-specific energy and time resolution based on a user-provided data set of empirical parameterization. We discuss also how to manage an ImpCresst based workflow in an HPC environment based on Apptainer and nextflow.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

Description of CRESST-II and CRESST-III pulse shape data

A set of data from 68 cryogenic detectors operated in the CRESST dark matter search experiment between 2013 and 2019 was collected and labeled to train binary classifiers for data cleaning. Here, we describe the data set and how the trained models can be applied to new data. The data and models are available online.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

Description of CRESST-III lithium aluminate data

Two detector modules with lithium aluminate targets were operated in the CRESST underground setup between February and June 2021. The data collected in this period was used to set the currently strongest cross-section upper limits on the spin-dependent interaction of dark matter (DM) with protons and neutrons for the mass region between 0.25 and 1.5 GeV/c$^2$. The data are available online. In this document, we describe how the data set should be used to reproduce our dark matter results.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Observation of a low energy nuclear recoil peak in the neutron calibration data of an Al$_{2}$O$_{3}$ crystal in CRESST-III

The current generation of cryogenic solid state detectors used in direct dark matter and CE\textnu NS searches typically reach energy thresholds of $\mathcal{O}$(10)$\,$eV for nuclear recoils. For a reliable calibration in this energy regime a method has been proposed, providing mono-energetic nuclear recoils at low energies $\sim\,$100$\,$eV$\,$-$\,$1$\,$keV. In this work we report on the observation of a peak at (1113.6$^{+6.5}_{-6.5}$)$\,$eV in the data of an Al$_{2}$O$_{3}$ crystal in CRESST-III, which was irradiated with neutrons from an AmBe calibration source. We attribute this mono-energetic peak to the radiative capture of thermal neutrons on $^{27}$Al and the subsequent de-excitation via single $\gamma$-emission. We compare the measured results with the outcome of Geant4 simulations and investigate the possibility to make use of this effect for the energy calibration of Al$_{2}$O$_{3}$ detectors at low energies. We further investigate the possibility of a shift in the expected energy scale of this effect caused by the creation of defects in the target crystal.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

The CRESST experiment: towards the next-generation of sub-GeV direct dark matter detection

Direct detection experiments have established the most stringent constraints on potential interactions between particle candidates for relic, thermal dark matter and Standard Model particles. To surpass current exclusion limits a new generation of experiments is being developed. The upcoming upgrade of the CRESST experiment will incorporate $\mathcal{O}$(100) detectors with different masses ranging from $\sim$2g to $\sim$24g, aiming to achieve unprecedented sensitivity to sub-GeV dark matter particles with a focus on spin-independent dark matter-nucleus scattering. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the planned upgrade, detailed experimental strategies, anticipated challenges, and projected sensitivities. Approaches to address and mitigate low-energy excess backgrounds $-$ a key limitation in previous and current sub-GeV dark matter searches $-$ are also discussed. In addition, a long-term roadmap for the next decade is outlined, including other potential scientific applications.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

First observation of single photons in a CRESST detector and new dark matter exclusion limits

The main goal of the CRESST-III experiment is the direct detection of dark matter particles via their scattering off target nuclei in cryogenic detectors. In this work we present the results of a Silicon-On-Sapphire (SOS) detector with a mass of 0.6$\,$g and an energy threshold of (6.7$\, \pm \,$0.2)$\,$eV with a baseline energy resolution of (1.0$\, \pm \,$0.2)$\,$eV. This allowed for a calibration via the detection of single luminescence photons in the eV-range, which could be observed in CRESST for the first time. We present new exclusion limits on the spin-independent and spin-dependent dark matter-nucleon cross section that extend to dark matter particle masses of less than 100$\,$MeV/c$^{2}$.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

DoubleTES detectors to investigate the CRESST low energy background: results from above-ground prototypes

In recent times, the sensitivity of low-mass direct dark matter searches has been limited by unknown low energy backgrounds close to the energy threshold of the experiments known as the low energy excess (LEE). The CRESST experiment utilises advanced cryogenic detectors constructed with different types of crystals equipped with Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) to measure signals of nuclear recoils induced by the scattering of dark matter particles in the detector. In CRESST, this low energy background manifests itself as a steeply rising population of events below 200 eV. A novel detector design named doubleTES using two identical TESs on the target crystal was studied to investigate the hypothesis that the events are sensor-related. We present the first results from two such modules, demonstrating their ability to differentiate between events originating from the crystal's bulk and those occurring in the sensor or in its close proximity.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

A likelihood framework for cryogenic scintillating calorimeters used in the CRESST dark matter search

Cryogenic scintillating calorimeters are ultrasensitive particle detectors for rare event searches, particularly for the search for dark matter and the measurement of neutrino properties. These detectors are made from scintillating target crystals generating two signals for each particle interaction. The phonon (heat) signal precisely measures the deposited energy independent of the type of interacting particle. The scintillation light signal yields particle discrimination on an event-by-event basis. This paper presents a likelihood framework modeling backgrounds and a potential dark matter signal in the two-dimensional plane spanned by phonon and scintillation light energies. We apply the framework to data from CaWO$_4$-based detectors operated in the CRESST dark matter search. For the first time, a single likelihood framework is used in CRESST to model the data and extract results on dark matter in one step by using a profile likelihood ratio test. Our framework simultaneously fits (neutron) calibration data and physics (background) data and allows combining data from multiple detectors. Although tailored to CaWO$_4$-targets and the CRESST experiment, the framework can easily be expanded to other materials and experiments using scintillating cryogenic calorimeters for dark matter search and neutrino physics.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2023

Optimal operation of cryogenic calorimeters through deep reinforcement learning

Cryogenic phonon detectors with transition-edge sensors achieve the best sensitivity to light dark matter-nucleus scattering in current direct detection dark matter searches. In such devices, the temperature of the thermometer and the bias current in its readout circuit need careful optimization to achieve optimal detector performance. This task is not trivial and is typically done manually by an expert. In our work, we automated the procedure with reinforcement learning in two settings. First, we trained on a simulation of the response of three CRESST detectors used as a virtual reinforcement learning environment. Second, we trained live on the same detectors operated in the CRESST underground setup. In both cases, we were able to optimize a standard detector as fast and with comparable results as human experts. Our method enables the tuning of large-scale cryogenic detector setups with minimal manual interventions.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Detector development for the CRESST experiment

Recently low-mass dark matter direct searches have been hindered by a low energy background, drastically reducing the physics reach of the experiments. In the CRESST-III experiment, this signal is characterised by a significant increase of events below 200 eV. As the origin of this background is still unknown, it became necessary to develop new detector designs to reach a better understanding of the observations. Within the CRESST collaboration, three new different detector layouts have been developed and they are presented in this contribution.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Light Dark Matter Search Using a Diamond Cryogenic Detector

Diamond operated as a cryogenic calorimeter is an excellent target for direct detection of low-mass dark matter candidates. Following the realization of the first low-threshold cryogenic detector that uses diamond as absorber for astroparticle physics applications, we now present the resulting exclusion limits on the elastic spin-independent interaction cross-section of dark matter with diamond. We measured two 0.175 g CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) diamond samples, each instrumented with a W-TES. Thanks to the energy threshold of just 16.8 eV of one of the two detectors, we set exclusion limits on the elastic spin-independent interaction of dark matter particles with carbon nuclei down to dark matter masses as low as 0.122 GeV/c2. This work shows the scientific potential of cryogenic detectors made from diamond and lays the foundation for the use of this material as target for direct detection dark matter experiments.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2023

High-Dimensional Bayesian Likelihood Normalisation for CRESST's Background Model

Using CaWO$_4$ crystals as cryogenic calorimeters, the CRESST experiment searches for nuclear recoils caused by the scattering of potential Dark Matter particles. A reliable identification of a potential signal crucially depends on an accurate background model. In this work we introduce an improved normalisation method for CRESST's model of the electromagnetic backgrounds. Spectral templates, based on Geant4 simulations, are normalised via a Bayesian likelihood fit to experimental background data. Contrary to our previous work, no assumption of partial secular equilibrium is required, which results in a more robust and versatile applicability. Furthermore, considering the correlation between all background components allows us to explain 82.7% of the experimental background within [1 keV, 40 keV], an improvement of 18.6% compared to our previous method.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Observation of a low energy nuclear recoil peak in the neutron calibration data of the CRESST-III Experiment

New-generation direct searches for low mass dark matter feature detection thresholds at energies well below 100 eV, much lower than the energies of commonly used X-ray calibration sources. This requires new calibration sources with sub-keV energies. When searching for nuclear recoil signals, the calibration source should ideally cause mono-energetic nuclear recoils in the relevant energy range. Recently, a new calibration method based on the radiative neutron capture on $^{182}$W with subsequent de-excitation via single $\gamma$-emission leading to a nuclear recoil peak at 112 eV was proposed. The CRESST-III dark matter search operated several CaWO$_{4}$-based detector modules with detection thresholds below 100 eV in the past years. We report the observation of a peak around the expected energy of 112 eV in the data of three different detector modules recorded while irradiated with neutrons from different AmBe calibration sources. We compare the properties of the observed peaks with Geant-4 simulations and assess the prospects of using this for the energy calibration of CRESST-III detectors.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Results on sub-GeV Dark Matter from a 10 eV Threshold CRESST-III Silicon Detector

We present limits on the spin-independent interaction cross section of dark matter particles with silicon nuclei, derived from data taken with a cryogenic calorimeter with 0.35 g target mass operated in the CRESST-III experiment. A baseline nuclear recoil energy resolution of $(1.36\pm 0.05)$ eV$_{\text{nr}}$, currently the lowest reported for macroscopic particle detectors, and a corresponding energy threshold of $(10.0\pm 0.2)$ eV$_{\text{nr}}$ have been achieved, improving the sensitivity to light dark matter particles with masses below 160 MeV/c$^2$ by a factor of up to 20 compared to previous results. We characterize the observed low energy excess, and we exclude noise triggers and radioactive contaminations on the crystal surfaces as dominant contributions.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

Towards an automated data cleaning with deep learning in CRESST

The CRESST experiment employs cryogenic calorimeters for the sensitive measurement of nuclear recoils induced by dark matter particles. The recorded signals need to undergo a careful cleaning process to avoid wrongly reconstructed recoil energies caused by pile-up and read-out artefacts. We frame this process as a time series classification task and propose to automate it with neural networks. With a data set of over one million labeled records from 68 detectors, recorded between 2013 and 2019 by CRESST, we test the capability of four commonly used neural network architectures to learn the data cleaning task. Our best performing model achieves a balanced accuracy of 0.932 on our test set. We show on an exemplary detector that about half of the wrongly predicted events are in fact wrongly labeled events, and a large share of the remaining ones have a context-dependent ground truth. We furthermore evaluate the recall and selectivity of our classifiers with simulated data. The results confirm that the trained classifiers are well suited for the data cleaning task.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Secular Equilibrium Assessment in a $\mathrm{CaWO}_4$ Target Crystal from the Dark Matter Experiment CRESST using Bayesian Likelihood Normalisation

CRESST is a leading direct detection sub-$\mathrm{GeVc}^{-2}$ dark matter experiment. During its second phase, cryogenic bolometers were used to detect nuclear recoils off the $\mathrm{CaWO}_4$ target crystal nuclei. The previously established electromagnetic background model relies on secular equilibrium (SE) assumptions. In this work, a validation of SE is attempted by comparing two likelihood-based normalisation results using a recently developed spectral template normalisation method based on Bayesian likelihood. We find deviations from SE; further investigations are necessary to determine their origin.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Probing superconducting order in overdoped Ca$_{x}$Y$_{1-x}$Ba$_{2}$Cu$_{3}$O$_{7}$ by neutron diffraction measurements of the vortex lattice

We present small angle neutron scattering studies of the magnetic vortex lattice (VL) in Ca$_{0.04}$Y$_{0.96}$Ba$_{2}$Cu$_{3}$O$_{7}$ up to a field of 16.7 T, and Ca$_{0.15}$Y$_{0.85}$Ba$_{2}$Cu$_{3}$O$_{7}$ up to 25 T. We find that the series of vortex lattice structure transitions have shifted down in field relative to those reported for the undoped compound. We attribute this mainly to the weakening of the 1-D superconductivity in the Cu-O chains by the disorder introduced by doping. The hole doping by calcium is also expected to alter the Fermi velocity and it reduces the upper critical field of the system. The high-field structure of the vortex lattice is similar to recent measurements on the parent compound in fields of 25~T, which indicates that the fundamental \textit{d}-wave nature of the superconducting gap is unchanged by calcium doping. This is corroborated by the temperature dependence of the VL form factor which also shows the same \textit{d}-wave behaviour as observed in other cuprates. We also find evidence of Pauli paramagnetic effects in the field dependence of the VL form factor.

cond-mat.supr-con↗