Space Sciences/Astrophysics Seminar with Tsuguo Aramaki on MeV Gamma-Ray Observations and Antimatter-Based Indirect Dark Matter Searches

GRAMS (Gamma-Ray and AntiMatter Survey) is a proposed balloon/satellite mission that will be the first to target both astrophysical observations with MeV gamma rays and indirect dark matter searches with antimatter using a LArTPC (Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber) detector. With a cost-effective, large-scale LArTPC, GRAMS can deliver unprecedented sensitivities to astrophysical observations in the MeV energy range, which has long been under-explored due to the lack of large-scale detectors to reconstruct Compton-scattering events. Additionally, low-energy antimatter measurements with GRAMS, particularly antideuterons, could be background-free dark matter searches, extensively exploring the new dark matter parameter space. In this talk, I will give the current status of the GRAMS project, including overviews of the prototype detector testing and upcoming engineering flight and beam test.

Sponsored by the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences.