THE 1ST CRYOGENIC DARK-MATTER EXPERIMENT

An experimental search for dark matter particle candidates using cryog enic detectors requires a low radioactive background environment. We d iscuss the status of a cryogenic dark matter experiment to be performe d in the Stanford Underground Facility. The detectors will be cooled i n a specially designed cryostat connected to a modified side access Ox ford 400 dilution refrigerator. Details of the cryostat design and its operating performance are presented. The effectiveness of the multi-l evel shield surrounding the cryostat, as well as the background levels we expect to achieve in the pilot experiment are discussed. Finally, we examine the limits which can be set on dark matter candidates with such an experiment.