Dark Matter investigation by DAMA at Gran Sasso

TL;DR

The DAMA experiments at Gran Sasso have reported model-independent positive signals suggesting the presence of dark matter particles in the galactic halo, based on highly radiopure underground detectors.

Contribution

This paper reviews DAMA's positive results using model-independent methods and discusses their implications and comparisons with other dark matter search results.

Findings

Positive signals observed by DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA

Model-independent detection of dark matter signature

Refutation of some conflicting literature arguments

Abstract

Experimental observations and theoretical arguments at Galaxy and larger scales have suggested that a large fraction of the Universe is composed by Dark Matter particles. This has motivated the DAMA experimental efforts to investigate the presence of such particles in the galactic halo by exploiting a model independent signature and very highly radiopure set-ups deep underground. Few introductory arguments are summarized before presenting a review of the present model independent positive results obtained by the DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA set-ups at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN. Implications and model dependent comparisons with other different kinds of results will be shortly addressed. Some arguments put forward in literature will be confuted.