Can CoGeNT and DAMA Modulations Be Due to Dark Matter?

TL;DR

This paper investigates whether dark matter could explain anomalies observed in DAMA and CoGeNT experiments, considering various models and uncertainties, but finds persistent tension with null results.

Contribution

It provides an independent analysis of CoGeNT data and explores multiple phenomenological models to assess dark matter explanations for the anomalies.

Findings

Tension between anomalies and null results remains significant.

Extreme assumptions are required to reconcile data.

Various models partially reduce but do not eliminate discrepancies.

Abstract

We explore the dark matter interpretation of the anomalies claimed by the DAMA and CoGeNT experiments, in conjunction with the various null direct-detection experiments. An independent analysis of the CoGeNT data is employed and several experimental and astrophysical uncertainties are considered. Various phenomenological models are studied, including isospin violating interactions, momentum-dependent form factors, velocity-dependent form factors, inelastic scatterings (endothermic and exothermic) and channeling. We find that the severe tension between the anomalies and the null results can be ameliorated but not eliminated, unless extreme assumptions are made.