Dark Matter with DAMA/LIBRA and its perspectives

Abstract

Abstract The existence of Dark Matter particles as a significant portion of the Universe’s total mass is suggested by theoretical reasoning at the galactic and larger scales as well as experimental data. This motivates the DAMA experiment’s efforts to investigate the presence of the Dark Matter particles in the galactic halo by utilizing a model-independent signature with an extremely radio-pure set-up underground. The long-standing, model-independent annual modulation effect at Gran Sasso seen by DAMA with several experimental set-ups is summarized in this paper, along with its perspectives. DAMA/LIBRA-phase2 set-up, ≃ 250 kg highly radio-pure NaI(Tl) further confirms the evidence of a signal that meets all the requirements of the model independent Dark Matter annual modulation signature at high C.L.; the combined exposure of DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA is 2.86 ton × yr over 22 independent annual cycles. The experiment is currently collecting data in the DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 empowered configuration with an even lower software energy threshold.