Dark matter search with PICASSO

Abstract

PICASSO at SNOLAB searches primarily for spin-dependent WIMP interactions on 19F using the superheated droplet technique. This technique is based on the bubble chamber principle, where phase transitions in superheated liquid droplets can be triggered by WIMP induced nuclear recoils. The physics of the detection process allows a highly efficient suppression of backgrounds from cosmic muons, γ- and β-rays. We will discuss qualitatively recent progress in PICASSO and its sensitivity reach for spin-dependent and spin-independent WIMP searches.