Time-Varying Nuclear Decay Parameters and Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper explores alternative explanations for the DAMA annual signal, suggesting it may be due to radioactive contaminants or relic neutrinos rather than dark matter, challenging existing interpretations.

Contribution

It proposes that the DAMA signal could originate from nuclear decay influenced by solar activity or relic neutrinos, offering new perspectives on dark matter detection.

Findings

Potential link between decay rate variations and solar influence

Radioactive contaminant K-40 may explain DAMA signal

Relic big-bang neutrinos could contribute to observed signals

Abstract

Recently published data suggest a possible solar influence on some nuclear decay rates, including evidence for an annual variation attributed to the varying Earth-Sun distance. Here, we consider the possibility that the annual signal seen by the DAMA collaboration, and interpreted by them as evidence for dark matter, may in fact be due to the radioactive contaminant K-40, which is known to be present in their detector. We also consider the possibility that part of the DAMA signal may arise from relic big-bang neutrinos.