[Physics-talks] [Physics Talks] Friday, April 3 Seminar: "The GAPS Antarctic Balloon Flight: Searching for Dark Matter with Cosmic-ray Antinuclei"

[Dauda Gbujama]

Dear Physics Community,

You are cordially invited to attend the following seminar:

Speaker: Field Rogers (University of California, Berkeley)

Title: "The GAPS Antarctic Balloon Flight: Searching for Dark Matter with
Cosmic-ray Antinuclei"

Date & Time: Friday, April 3 | 10:00–11:00 AM

Location: Physics Reading Room

Abstract:

The fundamental nature of dark matter is a central question of physics in
the 21st century. By searching the sky for the byproducts of dark matter
interactions in the Galaxy, astrophysical searches can test a wide range of
dark matter models. However, these experiments have been limited by
backgrounds arising from diverse astrophysical processes beyond dark
matter. In contrast to this high-background scenario, low-energy (kinetic
energy ≲ 0.25 GeV/n) cosmic-ray antideuterons are a uniquely clean signal
of new physics because the antideuteron flux predicted from dark matter
exceeds the expected astrophysical background by two orders of magnitude.

In the 25 years since antideuterons were proposed as a dark matter signal,
sensitivity has been impeded by experimental challenges. The balloon-borne
General Antiparticle Spectrometer (GAPS) is the first experiment optimized
for detection of low-energy cosmic-ray antideuterons. A novel
exotic-atom-based detection method facilitates the large instrument
acceptance and robust background rejection required for sensitivity to this
rare signal, within the constraints of a high-altitude mission.

After more than a decade of technology development, payload integration,
and instrument calibration on the ground, the first GAPS science payload
launched into the stratosphere on 16 December, 2025 and flew for 25 days
above the continent of Antarctica. Data from this flight will lead to
detection or limits for cosmic-ray antideuterons and antihelium nuclei and
to a high-statistics cosmic-ray antiproton spectrum extending into a
previously-unexplored energy range. Field will present the GAPS instrument
and the data from the first flight, as well as plans for future flights
with upgraded instrument capability.








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We hope to see you there!















*Dauda Gbujama*

Travel Coordinator

UC Riverside* |* Physics & Astronomy

3047 Physics Building *|* Riverside, California 92521
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