The CRESST dark matter experiment: status and perspectives

Abstract The CRESST experiment in its first phase is using sapphire detectors with tungsten phase transition thermometers to search for dark matter WIMPs. At present four 262 g detectors are performing first measurements under low background conditions. Detector performance as well as preliminary results from the background runs are presented. A second phase of CRESST using CaWO 4 and simultaneous measurement of phonons and scintillation light is in preparation.