DAMA/LIBRA Results and Perspectives

Abstract

The DAMA/LIBRA experiment (∼ 250 kg sensitive mass composed by highly radio-pure NaI(Tl)) is in data taking in the underground Laboratory of Gran Sasso (LNGS). In its first phase (DAMA/LIBRA-phase1) this experiment and the former DAMA/NaI experiment (∼ 100 kg of highly radio-pure NaI(Tl)) collected data for 14 independent annual cycles, exploiting the model-independent Dark Matter (DM) annual modulation signature (total exposure 1.33 ton × yr). A DM annual modulation effect has been observed at 9.3 σ C.L., supporting the presence of DM particles in the galactic halo. No systematic or side reaction able to mimic the observed DM annual modulation has been found or suggested by anyone. Recent analyses on possible diurnal effects, on the Earth shadowing effect and on possible interpretation in terms of Mirror DM will be mentioned. At present DAMA/LIBRA is running in its phase2 with increased sensitivity.