DRIFT-I, the first full-scale gaseous dark matter detector, has recently been installed at ∼1100 m depth at the Boulby Underground Laboratory, UK. The DRIFT concept offers high background discrimination and sensitivity to the direction of WIMP-induced nuclear recoils, the latter being of particular importance in the search for evidence of WIMPs in our galaxy. In this paper we discuss the design of the DRIFT-I detector and its installation and operation at Boulby. We also present results of early engineering runs and outline plans for the future.

The DRIFT-I dark matter detector at Boulby: design, installation and operation