Search for massive rare particles with the SLIM experiment

TL;DR

The SLIM experiment searched for rare massive particles like magnetic monopoles and dark matter candidates using a large array of nuclear track detectors at high altitude, reporting preliminary findings from extensive exposure.

Contribution

This study presents the first large-scale, high-altitude search for intermediate mass magnetic monopoles, SQM nuggets, and Q-balls using nuclear track detectors.

Findings

Detected no definitive signals of the targeted particles.

Set new upper limits on the flux of magnetic monopoles and dark matter candidates.

Demonstrated the effectiveness of high-altitude nuclear track detectors for rare particle searches.

Abstract

The SLIM experiment is a large array of nuclear track detectors located at the Chacaltaya High Altitude Laboratory (5260 m a.s.l.). The preliminary results from the analysis of ~383 m^2 exposed for 4.07 y are here reported. The detector is sensitive to Intermediate Mass Magnetic Monopoles, 10^5 < M_M < 10^12 GeV, and to SQM nuggets and Q-balls, which are possible Dark Matter candidates.