Dark matter scientists take first SABRE South parts underground
Scientists will mark a major milestone in the search for dark matter when they place the first major scientific equipment 1km underground in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL).
ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics researchers will today and tomorrow transport the equipment that will eventually be integrated into the SABRE South dark matter experiment.
The equipment includes three-metre long detectors that will make up a muon telescope.
The components will be used determine the amount and direction of cosmic radiation, helping scientists differentiate dark matter from other particles.
The scientists will also transport a large data storage system into the laboratory early this week, where it will be placed and tested over coming months.
Centre Director Elisabetta Barberio says the new equipment would set in train significant testing and preparation activities in the laboratory.
“Over the next few days there will be a lot of activity at Stawell Gold Mines to transport significant pieces of equipment into the laboratory,” Professor Barberio said.
“It is exciting to have reached this milestone, and we are now one step closer to answering a question that has been pondered over by scientists for almost a century.
“Research that will be carried out in SUPL will bring together scientists from across Australia to help solve one of the great mysteries of the universe.”
Scientists from The University of Melbourne, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, Australian National University, Swinburne University of Technology are involved in the SABRE South dark matter experiment.
University of Melbourne PhD student Mike Mews will be among the researchers who will help assemble the components once they are placed in the laboratory.
“A lot of work has gone into getting the project to this point so I’m looking forward to taking the first major scientific equipment into the lab,” Mr Mews said.
“The large muon veto detector will play an important role by giving us information on what cosmic radiation is reaching the laboratory, and what direction they are travelling. This helps us differentiate between cosmic rays and dark matter, so that we know we are seeing dark matter signals, rather than other muons or other particles.”
Mr Mews is among scientists who have undergone extensive training to work in SUPL.