Channeling in solid Xe, Ar and Ne direct dark matter detectors

Abstract

The channeling of the ion recoiling after a collision with a WIMP changes the ionization signal in direct detection experiments, producing a larger scintillation or ionization signal than otherwise expected. We give estimates of the fraction of channeled recoiling ions in solid Xe, Ar and Ne crystals using analytic models produced since the 1960's and 70's to describe channeling and blocking effects.