Using improved Ge and Si detectors, better neutron shielding, and increased counting time, the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) experiment has obtained stricter limits on the cross section of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) elastically scattering from nuclei. Increased discrimination against electromagnetic backgrounds and reduction of the neutron flux confirm WIMP-candidate events previously detected by CDMS were consistent with neutrons and give limits on spin-independent WIMP interactions which are $>2\mathrm{}\times$ lower than previous CDMS results for high WIMP mass, and which exclude new parameter space for WIMPs with mass between 8 and $20\mathrm{GeV}{/c}^2.$

• Received 2 June 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.68.082002