A Maximum Likelihood Analysis of Low-Energy CDMS Data

Abstract

An unbinned maximum likelihood analysis of CDMS low-energy data reveals a strong preference (5.7 sigma C.L.) for a model containing an exponential excess of events in the nuclear recoil band, when compared to the null hypothesis. We comment on the possible origin of such an excess, establishing a comparison with anomalies in other dark matter experiments. A recent annual modulation search in CDMS data is shown to be insufficiently sensitive to test a dark matter origin for this excess.

5 pages, 4 figures v2: minor additions only v3: expanded discussion on surface events (pg. 3)