Results from the DM-Ice17 Dark Matter Experiment at the South Pole

TL;DR

DM-Ice17, a 17 kg NaI(Tl) dark matter detector at the South Pole, has operated for over five years, demonstrating feasibility and providing data for dark matter search, including annual modulation analysis and WIMP limits.

Contribution

This paper reports the first five-year operation of DM-Ice17 in Antarctic ice, establishing a low-background environment for dark matter detection and setting the stage for future experiments.

Findings

Demonstrated the feasibility of long-term operation in Antarctic ice.

Provided initial dark matter search results including spectra and modulation analysis.

Outlined plans for the upgraded COSINE-100 experiment.

Abstract

DM-Ice is a phased experimental program using low-background NaI(Tl) crystals with the aim to unambiguously test the claim of dark matter detection by the DAMA experiments. DM-Ice17, consisting of 17 kg of NaI(Tl), has been continuously operating at a depth of 2457 m in the South Pole ice for over five years, demonstrating the feasibility of a low-background experiment in the Antarctic ice. Studies of low and high energy spectra, an annual modulation analysis, and a WIMP exclusion limit based on the physics run of DM-Ice17 are presented. We also discuss the plan and projected sensitivity of a new joint physics run, COSINE-100, with upgraded detectors at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory in Korea.