The Direct Search Experiment for Light Dark Matter (DELight): Overview and Perspectives

Abstract: Driven by the null results in the searches for dark matter, the field of direct dark matter detection is constantly evolving to push new frontiers. Ultimately, a vast parameter space for dark matter masses below a few GeV is yet to be explored. That said, low mass dark matter candidates necessitate novel detector designs with lower thresholds and alternative target materials. The Direct search Experiment for Light dark matter (DELight) will deploy a target of superfluid $^4$He instrumented with large area microcalorimeters (LAMCALs) based on magnetic microcalorimeter (MMC) technology in a setup optimized for low mass dark matter searches. This paper presents an overview of this novel upcoming experiment, including detection technology, sensitivity goals and R&D studies.