NEXUS


North-south EXchange for Underground Science


The nature of invisible dark matter (DM), which constitutes ~26% of the mass-energy balance of the Universe, remains a major puzzle in physics. Despite extensive searches, DM constituents remain undetected, though experiments have significantly constrained the allowed parameter space. The NEXUS project aims to advance this research by enhancing detector performance, refining instrumentation, and expanding theoretical insights through a sustainable expert network. Partnering with world-class laboratories in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, NEXUS will tackle extraordinary experimental and theoretical challenges. This research relies on Underground Laboratories, where cosmic rays are suppressed by ~1000 meters of rock, minimizing the cosmogenic backgrounds.

On-Going

Access agenda

Work Packages

  • WP1 - Low background technologies.
  • WP2 - Muography , Neutrons and radiation measurements.
  • WP3 - Modelling, Simulation and Machine learning.
  • WP4 - Quantum science and technology.
  • WP5 - Education and Training Activities.

Milestones

  • M1 - Kick-off meeting
  • M12 - Definition of interposer technologies of interest (WP1)
  • M12 - Neutrons measurements (WP2)
  • M18 - Emulsion measurements (WP2)
  • M24 - Definition of the protocols for the accepted technologies (WP1)
  • M24 - Radon levels measurement, recommendation on the ventilation and other methods, Gamma background measuremen (WP2)
  • M30 - Identification of suitable radio pure materials to add to the sharing material and screening assay results (WP1)
  • M30 - New protocols for sample treatment and automation prior to ICP-MS measuremen (WP1)
  • M36 - Geophysical measurements in the Huguenot Tunnel for the future PAUL facility (WP2)
  • M36 - Muon flux measurements and simulation (WP3)
  • M40 - Comprehensive cross-calibration for low background material assay of HPGe detectors (WP1)
  • M48 - Realisation of density distribution map and the joined inversion with gravimetry (WP2)

Deliverables

  • M6 - D6.3 Data Management Plan (WP6)
  • M6 - D6.4 Website (WP6)
  • M6 - D6.5 Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation plan (WP6)
  • M13 - D6.1 Progress report (WP6)
  • M18 - D6.2 Mid-term meeting (WP6)
  • M24 - D4.1 Prototype quantum detector for low-mass Dark Matter and performance assessment (WP4)
  • M30 - D1.1 Dissemination and publication of test results on Rn absorption (WP1)
  • M36 - D1.2 Progress report on low background suppression technologies of interest (WP1)
  • M36 - D2.1 Characterization of the ULs background environment (WP2)
  • M42 - D4.2 Report on noise mitigation framework for Quantum Technologies (WP4)
  • M42 - D5.2 Report on training activities (WP5)
  • M44 - D2.2 Best practices for the concept and design of ULs (WP2)
  • M45 - D5.1 Report on project workshops (WP5)
  • M48 - D3.1 Results of denoising of muon data and monitoring of sensor equipment using machine learning(WP3)

More Information

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