Direct detection of dark matter-APPEC committee report.

Area of Science:

• Astroparticle Physics
• Particle Physics
• Cosmology

Background:

• The existence of dark matter is inferred from astrophysical and cosmological observations.
• Direct detection experiments aim to observe the interaction of dark matter particles with terrestrial detectors.
• A comprehensive review of current and planned experimental programs is essential for strategic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the experimental landscape of direct dark matter detection searches.
• To identify the strengths, opportunities, and challenges of various experimental approaches and techniques.
• To explore scientific and technological synergies with other physics programs and address infrastructure requirements.

Main Methods:

• Extensive review of current and planned direct detection experiments, with a focus on European efforts within a global context.
• Analysis of different experimental approaches, search techniques, and their associated virtues and challenges.
• Assessment of scientific and technological synergies with collider and neutrino physics programs.
• Evaluation of infrastructure needs for current and future experimental searches.

Main Results:

• Identification of key experimental strategies, technological advancements, and challenges in direct dark matter detection.
• Highlighting of synergies between direct detection and other fields like collider and neutrino physics.
• Assessment of the growing infrastructure demands for sensitive dark matter searches.
• Formulation of recommendations for the long-term advancement of the field.

Conclusions:

• Direct detection of dark matter particle interactions should be a top priority in astroparticle and particle physics.
• A positive detection would provide the most unambiguous evidence for the particle nature of dark matter.
• Strategic planning, infrastructure development, and international collaboration are vital for future progress.