Abstract
ANAIS-112 is a dark matter direct detection experiment that operates 112 kg of NaI(Tl) scintillators at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory (LSC, Spain). Its main goal is to test in a model independent way one of the most puzzling results in the present particle physics scenario: the DAMA/LIBRA observation of an annual modulation in the detection rate compatible with that expected for dark matter. This signal is in strong tension with the negative results of other very sensitive experiments. However, until recently a direct comparison using the same target material (NaI(Tl)) was lacking. ANAIS-112 has been taking data since August 2017 in stable conditions with excellent performance. Results from the first three years are compatible with the absence of modulation and incompatible with the DAMA/LIBRA measured modulation at more than 2.5σ C.L. This result supports the projected goal of reaching a 3σ sensitivity to the DAMA/LIBRA result for the scheduled five-year operation.
Highlights
Dark matter and dark energy are required to explain the observations of the Universe at different scales if interpreted in the framework of the cosmological standard model
Concerning possible systematic effects which could affect the results presented in this work, we emphasize that our calibration procedure, carried out biweekly and independently for every detector, allows us to correct for any drift or change in the response
The trigger efficiency εtrg(E, d) is calculated from Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, while the efficiencies of the pulse shape cut (εPSA(E, d)) and the asymmetry cut (εasy(E, d)) are evaluated from nonblinded populations accumulated for the whole exposure time: the 3.2 and 0.9 keV events selected by the coincidence with the high energy gammas following 40K and 22Na decays for the pulse shape cut, and 109Cd calibration events for the asymmetry cut
Summary
Dark matter and dark energy are required to explain the observations of the Universe at different scales if interpreted in the framework of the cosmological standard model. With respect to the comparison between ANAIS-112 and DAMA/LIBRA annual modulation results, the corresponding uncertainty would affect the interpretation for those particles producing nuclear recoils in the detector.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
