From DAMA/Nal to DAMA/LIBRA at LNGS

Abstract

DAMA is an observatory for rare processes based on the development and use of various kinds of radiopure scintillators; it is operative deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the INFN. Several low background setups have been realized and many rare processes have been investigated. In particular, the DAMA/Nal setup (≃ 100kg highly radiopure NaI(Tl)) has effectively investigated the model-independent annual modulation signature; the data of seven annual cycles (total exposure of 107731 kg × d) have offered a 6.3σ C.L. model-independent evidence for the presence of a Dark Matter particle component in the galactic halo. Some of the many possible corollary model-dependent quests for the candidate particle have also been investigated. At present, the second-generation DAMA/LIBRA setup (≃ 250kg highly radiopure NaI(Tl)) is in operation deep underground. This paper summarizes the main aspects.