Neutron Beam Tests of $CsI(Na)$ and $CaF_{2}(Eu)$ Crystals for Dark Matter Direct Search

Abstract

In recent decades, inorganic crystals have been widely used in dark matter direct search experiments. To contribute to the understanding of the capabilities of $CsI(Na)$ and $CaF_{2}(Eu)$ crystals, a mono-energetic neutron beam is utilized to study the properties of nuclear recoils, which are expected to be similar to signals of dark matter direct detection. The quenching factor of nuclear recoils in $CsI(Na)$ and $CaF_{2}(Eu)$, as well as an improved discrimination factor between nuclear recoils and ${\gamma}$ backgrounds in $CsI(Na)$, are reported.