TESSERACT: status and progress towards sub-GeV dark matter detection

by Valentina Novati (CNRS-LPSC)

Friday Jun 19, 2026, 2:00 PM → 4:00 PM Europe/Paris

Amphi Recherche

The TESSERACT experiment will search for sub-GeV dark matter using multiple complementary, ultra-sensitive cryogenic calorimeters, sensitive to nuclear-, electron-, and dark photon–type interactions. The experiment consists of two experimental setups (dilution refrigerator and shielding) capable to host three detector technologies—superfluid helium, polar crystals (GaAs and sapphire), and semiconductor crystals (germanium and silicon)—to probe dark matter masses from meV to GeV. These detectors will employ transition edge sensors for phonon readout.

The experiment is currently in a phase of targeted R&D, with the first physics results from test facilities expected this year. Following a short commissioning phase at LPSC for one of the experimental setups, the full integration of the TESSERACT setup at the Modane underground laboratory is planned for 2028.