Dark Matter
At UNM, our experimental dark matter program includes direct (laboratory) and indirect (astroparticle) detection experiments aiming at determining its fundamental nature. We also use astronomical observations of galaxies near and far to constrain its particle nature and perform theoretical studies of possible dark matter candidates.
Our direct dark matter detection group is an integral member of the MIGDAL Collaboration, looking to use the Migdal effect to detect dark matter directly in the laboratory.
Astroparticle physics experiments search for a signal for dark matter particle annihilation or decay. The HAWC experiment provides an important 1 TeV to 1000 TeV high-mass window for indirect searches for dark matter (e.g. WIMP) annihilation or decay to gamma-rays.
Observations of the satellite galaxies surrounding our own Milky Way and of distant massive galaxies acting as strong gravitational lenses can shed important light on the collisional aspect of dark matter. Theoretical studies of dark matter candidates can unveil new observational signatures that could help pinpointing its nature.
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