The CRESST dark matter search

We discuss the short and long term perspectives of the CRESST (Cryogenic Ra re Event Search using Superconducting Thermometers) project and present the current status of the experiment and new results concerning detector devel opment. In the search for elementary particle dark matter, CRESST is presen tly the most advanced deep underground, low background, cryogenic facility. The basic technique involved is to search for WIMPS (Weakly Interacting Ma ssive Particles) by the measurement of non-thermal phonons, as created by W IMP-induced nuclear recoils. Combined with our newly developed method for t he simultaneous measurement of scintillation light, strong background discr imination is possible, resulting in a substantial increase in WIMP detectio n sensitivity. This will allow a test of the reported positive evidence for a WIMP signal by the DAMA collaboration in the near future. In the long te rm, the present CRESST setup permits the installation of a detector mass up to 100 kg. In contrast to other projects, CRESST technology allows the employment of a large variety of detection materials. This offers a powerful tool in estab lishing a WIMP signal and in investigating WIMP properties in the event of a positive signal. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.