Directional Dark Matter Searches

Cold Dark Matter is believed to constitute almost a quarter of the Universe, most likely in the form of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), predicted by supersymmetry. This thesis describes the simulation methods, analysis techniques, and results for the calibration of the DRIFT-IIA directional dark matter detector. This is the first module in an array of gas time projection chambers capable of searching for WIMPs with directional sensitivity, located in the Boulby mine. Future operation, development and expansion of the DRIFT-II array will lead to increased potential for directional dark matter detection.