Search for massive rare particles with the SLIM experiment

TL;DR

The SLIM experiment searches for magnetic monopoles and other dark matter candidates using high-altitude nuclear track detectors, setting new flux limits in the mass range 10^5 to 10^12 GeV.

Contribution

This study reports the analysis of a large high-altitude detector array, establishing the lowest flux upper limits for magnetic monopoles in a broad mass range.

Findings

No magnetic monopoles detected in the analyzed data

Set new upper flux limits for monopoles in the 10^5 - 10^12 GeV mass range

Sensitive to SQM nuggets and Q-balls as dark matter candidates

Abstract

The search for magnetic monopoles in the cosmic radiation remains one of the main aims of non-accelerator particle astrophysics. Experiments at high altitude allow lower mass thresholds with respect to detectors at sea level or underground. The SLIM experiment is a large array of nuclear track detectors at the Chacaltaya High Altitude Laboratory (5290 m a.s.l.). The results from the analysis of 171 m$^2$ exposed for more than 3.5 y are here reported. The completion of the analysis of the whole detector will allow to set the lowest flux upper limit for Magnetic Monopoles in the mass range 10$^5$ - 10$^{12}$ GeV. The experiment is also sensitive to SQM nuggets and Q-balls, which are possible Dark Matter candidates.