The optimal detectors for WIMP and 0-neutrino double beta decay searches: identical high pressure xenon gas TPC

The search for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMP), a candidate for Dark Matter, involves the detection of nuclear recoils with energies of a few tens of keV and high rejection of electronic recoils. In contrast, the search for neutrino-less double beta decay, evidence for which would establish that neutrinos are their own antiparticles and that lepton number is violated, requires detailed event topology and extremely precise energy measurement, at the 2-3 MeV level. Despite these differences, a particular high-pressure xenon gas TPC appears to offer a common methodology, with no significant compromises in performance.