Discovery of underground argon with low level of radioactive 39Ar and possible applications to WIMP dark matter detectors

Abstract We report on the first measurement of 39 Ar in argon from underground natural gas reservoirs. The gas stored in the US National Helium Reserve was found to contain a low level of 39 Ar. The ratio of 39 Ar to stable argon was measured to be ⩽ 4 × 10 - 17 (84% C.L.), less than 5% the value in atmospheric argon ( 39 Ar / Ar = 8 × 10 - 16 ). The total quantity of argon currently stored in the National Helium Reserve is estimated at 1000 tons. 39 Ar represents one of the most important backgrounds in argon detectors for WIMP dark matter searches. The findings reported demonstrate the possibility of constructing large multi-ton argon detectors with low radioactivity suitable for WIMP dark matter searches.