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Several years ago October 31 became more than just a day to hunt for free candy. It became the day to hunt for the origins of the universe. It is known as Dark Matter Day, a day to discuss and ponder the universe's formation. We celebrate by going deep underground to see how Lab researchers are looking for the unseen.
Dark matter is the name for matter which may make up about 85% of the mass and energy of the universe. It is difficult to detect since it does not interact with electromagnetic fields and does not absorb or emit electromagnetic radiation. It cannot be seen or touched, but its impact is everywhere. Understanding dark matter may make it possible to understand the origins of the universe. Dark Matter Day began in 2017, and October 31 was selected as the day to discuss dark matter because many cultures celebrate the unseen at this time of the year.
Researchers at the Lab are working deep underground on an experiment to hunt for dark matter. Senior physicist Kevin Lesko shared these images of the underground work as part of the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Dark Matter Experiment. Berkeley Lab oversees LZ for the Department of Energy. The collaboration consists of 250 scientists from four nations and 34 institutions.
LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) crew admiring the installation of the Outer Detector acrylic tanks. These tanks surround the Inner Dark Matter detector, reduce backgrounds, and increase LZ’s sensitivity to dark matter particles.
Close up of the Hamamatsu Photomultiplier Tubes (PMT) that view the light produced by backgrounds in the Outer Detector. The white material increases the light collection efficiency of the PMTs.
Top view of the installed Outer Detector Tanks and PMTs.
The empty water tank into which the LZ Inner and Outer Detectors were installed. The stainless steel tank is filled with ultrapure water to further reduce environmental backgrounds.
Engineering drawing and artist’s conception of LZ detecting a weakly interacting massive particle, or WIMP.
LZ engineers and physicists celebrate the installation of the inner LZ detector inside the water tank (pre-COVID).
Panoramic view of the Lower Davis Campus at the Sanford Lab. The outside of the water tank is in the center of the frame. This lab is 4,850 feet below ground.
Top view looking down into the water tank viewing the top of the Inner Detector.
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