A Simple Explanation for DAMA with Moderate Channeling

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the DAMA dark matter detection signal can be explained by simple models involving channeled events, which require no additional thresholds and are consistent with realistic channeling fractions.

Contribution

It introduces a straightforward explanation for DAMA via channeled events in simple models, avoiding complex parameters or thresholds.

Findings

Models can fit DAMA with ~15% channeling fractions.

At least ~70% of recoil energy must be deposited electronically.

Channeled events provide a more compelling DAMA explanation.

Abstract

We consider the possibility that the DAMA signal arises from channeled events in simple models where the dark matter interaction with nuclei is suppressed at small momenta. As with the standard WIMP, these models have two parameters (the dark matter mass and the size of the cross-section), without the need to introduce an additional energy threshold type of parameter. We find that they can be consistent with channeling fractions as low as about ~ 15%, so long as at least ~70% of the nuclear recoil energy for channeled events is deposited electronically. Given that there are reasons not to expect very large channeling fractions, these scenarios make the channeling explanation of DAMA much more compelling.