Direct Non-baryonic Dark Matter Search - An experimental Review

Abstract

This review will present the latest advances in the search for non-baryonic dark matter from an experimental point of view, focusing more particularly on the direct detection approach. After a brief reminder of the main motivations for this search, we will expose the physical basis of WIMP detection, its advantages and limitations. The current techniques having achieved the most competitive results in terms of sensitivity will then be discussed. We will conclude with a rapid overview of the future of direct detection experiments, the techniques considered and their sensitivity goals.

9 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables, part of the proceedings for the Moriond conference on Electroweak Interactions and Unified Theories 2004