Observations of galaxies, galaxy clusters, distant supernovae, and the cosmic microwave background radiation tell us that about 85% of the matter in the universe is dark matter. A leading hypothesis is that dark matter is comprised of particles that were produced moments after the Big Bang. The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) is one of several experiments underway to directly detect these particles and begin an era of dark matter science that will hopefully allow us to understand the nature of the dark matter.

SLAC participates in the operation and data analysis for the SuperCDMS Soudan experiment, installed 2340 feet below ground in the Soudan Underground Laboratory. SLAC is also deeply engaged in the proposed SuperCDMS SNOLAB experiment, which would be located 6800 feet below ground at the SNOLAB underground science laboratory near Sudbury, Canada. For the larger SNOLAB experiment, SLAC has overall responsibility for the detector payload and offline computing.

SLAC's CDMS participation is part of the SLAC–Stanford Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology.

Visit the CDMS page on the KIPAC website for more info » Visit the CDMS Group website »

For more information about SLAC's involvement in SuperCDMS, please contact Richard Partridge.