View source for Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS)

== Introduction ==
The [[Cryogenic Dark Matter Search]] (CDMS) is an experiment designed to directly detect [[Dark Matter|particles of dark matter]]. The experiment is based on the theory that dark matter particles, specifically [[Weakly Interacting Massive Particles|WIMPs]], could occasionally interact with ordinary matter. The CDMS experiment uses cryogenic detectors to search for these rare interactions.

== Overview ==
The CDMS experiment is a multi-institutional collaboration, with researchers from several universities and national laboratories. The experiment is currently located at the [[Soudan Underground Laboratory|Soudan Underground Mine State Park]] in Minnesota, USA. The CDMS detectors are located deep underground to shield them from cosmic rays and other sources of background noise.

[[Image:Detail-46135.jpg|thumb|center|A photo of a CDMS detector, a cylindrical device with wires and tubes attached.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-46136.jpg|thumb|center|A photo of a CDMS detector, a cylindrical device with wires and tubes attached.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Detector Design ==
The CDMS detectors are made of germanium and silicon crystals, which are cooled to cryogenic temperatures (below -150 degrees Celsius). The detectors are designed to measure both the heat and the charge produced when a particle interacts with the crystal. This dual measurement allows the experiment to distinguish between different types of interactions and to reject background events.

== Data Analysis ==
The data from the CDMS experiment is analyzed using sophisticated software algorithms. These algorithms search for events that have the characteristics expected for a WIMP interaction. The analysis also includes careful estimation of the background noise and the sensitivity of the experiment.

== Results ==
The CDMS experiment has not yet detected any definitive signals of dark matter. However, the experiment has set some of the most stringent limits on the properties of WIMPs. The results from CDMS are used to guide the design of future dark matter experiments.

== Future Plans ==
The CDMS collaboration is currently planning a new experiment, called SuperCDMS, which will have even greater sensitivity to dark matter. SuperCDMS will use a new type of detector and will be located at an even deeper underground site.

== See Also ==
[[Weakly Interacting Massive Particles]]
[[Dark Matter]]
[[Cryogenics]]
[[Soudan Underground Laboratory]]

[[Category:Physics Experiments]]
[[Category:Dark Matter]]
[[Category:Cryogenics]]