A new approach to neutrino and WIMP detection using telecom-grade electrooptic and fiber-optic components

The dense energy deposition from a low-energy nuclear recoil produces, via the thermoacoustic effect, a brief yet intense pressure pulse that can be used for WIMP or neutrino detection in some fiber-optic devices sensitive to acoustooptic disturbances. Several possible detection schemes are described: all of them are inspired by modern fiber-optic sensor technologies and share common characteristics of low-cost and expected insensitivity to minimum-ionizing backgrounds.