Inelastic WIMP-nucleus scattering to the first excited state in ¹²⁵Te

Abstract

The direct detection of dark matter constituents, in particular the weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), is considered central to particle physics and cosmology. In this paper we study transitions to the excited states, possible in nuclei which have sufficiently low-lying excited states. Examples considered previously were the first excited states of ¹²⁷I, ¹²⁹Xe and ⁸³Kr. Here, we examine ¹²⁵Te, which offers some advantages and is currently being considered as a target. In all these cases the extra signature of the gamma rays following the de-excitation of these states has definite advantages over the purely nuclear recoil and in principle such a signature can be exploited experimentally. A brief discussion of the experimental feasibility is given in the context of the CUORE experiment.