SABRE: WIMP modulation detection in the northern and southern hemisphere

TL;DR

SABRE aims to detect annual WIMP modulation in NaI(Tl) crystals at two hemispheres to verify DAMA's controversial results and reduce systematic uncertainties in dark matter detection.

Contribution

This paper presents the experimental design, current status, and future plans of SABRE, a dual-hemisphere experiment to confirm or refute DAMA's annual modulation signal.

Findings

Progress in high-purity crystal growing

Development of twin detectors at different hemispheres

Initial results supporting future modulation measurements

Abstract

Measuring an annual modulation in a direct Dark Matter detection experiment is not only a proof of the existence of WIMPs but can also tell us more about their interaction with standard matter and maybe even their density and velocity in the halo. Such a modulation has been measured by the DAMA/LIBRA experiment in NaI(Tl) crystals. However, the interpretation as WIMP signal is controversial due to contradicting results by other experiments. The SABRE experiment aims to shed light on this controversy by detecting the annual modulation in the same target material as DAMA with twin detectors at LNGS in Italy and at SUPL in Australia. The two locations in the northern and southern hemisphere allow to verify if other seasonal effects or the site have an influence on the measurement, thus reducing systematic effects. This paper will give an overview on the experimental design, the current status of the proof of principle phase mainly devoted to high-purity crystal growing, and an outlook on future plans.