Improved Limits on Spin-Dependent WIMP-Proton Interactions from a Two Liter CF3I Bubble Chamber

Abstract

Data from the operation of a bubble chamber filled with 3.5 kg of CF3I in a shallow underground site are reported. An analysis of ultrasound signals accompanying bubble nucleations confirms that alpha decays generate a significantly louder acoustic emission than single nuclear recoils, leading to an efficient background discrimination. Three dark matter candidate events were observed during an effective exposure of 28.1 kg-day, consistent with a neutron background. This observation provides strong direct detection constraints on WIMP-proton spin-dependent scattering for WIMP masses > 20 GeV/c2.