DAMA/LIBRA results and perspectives

Abstract

The DAMA project operates as an observatory for rare processes, located deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of the I.N.F.N. The main apparatus, DAMA/LIBRA, is investigating the presence of Dark Matter particles in the galactic halo by exploiting the model independent DM annual modulation signature. The present DAMA/LIBRA and the former DAMA/NaI (exposed masses: ≃ 250 kg and ≃ 100 kg of highly radiopure NaI(Tl), respectively) experiments have released so far a total exposure of 1.17 ton x yr, collected over 13 annual cycles. They have obtained a positive model independent result for the presence of DM particles in the galactic halo at 8.9 σ C.L. The main results are here briefly summarised and the future perspectives are considered.