Extending the DAMA annual-modulation region by inclusion of the uncertainties in the astrophysical velocities

TL;DR

This paper extends the DAMA annual-modulation region for WIMP detection by incorporating astrophysical velocity uncertainties and halo rotation effects, aligning results with supersymmetric dark matter models and discussing detection prospects.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive analysis of astrophysical uncertainties and halo rotation effects on DAMA's WIMP detection region, linking it to supersymmetric dark matter models.

Findings

WIMP mass range extended to 30-130 GeV at 1-sigma CL

DAMA results compatible with neutralino dark matter in MSSM

Potential for supersymmetric detection at current accelerators

Abstract

The original annual-modulation region, singled out by the DAMA/NaI experiment for direct detection of WIMPs, is extended by taking into account the uncertainties in the galactic astrophysical velocities. Also the effect due to a possible bulk rotation for the dark matter halo is considered. We find that the range for the WIMP mass becomes 30 GeV < m_chi < 130 GeV at 1-sigma C.L. with a further extension in the upper bound, when a possible bulk rotation of the dark matter halo is taken into account. We show that the DAMA results, when interpreted in the framework of the Minimal Supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model, are consistent with a relic neutralino as a dominant component of cold dark matter (on the average in our universe and in our galactic halo). It is also discussed the discovery potential for the relevant supersymmetric configurations at accelerators of present generation.