DPNC seminars

Present and future of direct dark matter search with NaI(Tl) scintillators

by Prof. Davide D'Angelo (INFN, University of Milano)

Europe/Zurich
Grand Auditorium (Ecole de physique)

Grand Auditorium

Ecole de physique

Description

One of the most exciting quests in fundamental physics is the search for dark matter, which continues to see growing worldwide efforts across several theories and experimental techniques. Among these, NaI(Tl) scintillating crystals stand out, as they are used to observe the direct interaction of dark matter particles via nuclear recoils of a few keV. A long-lasting, but so far unconfirmed, positive result obtained at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory calls for further investigation.

The SABRE dual-site experiment is uniquely positioned to address this controversy, thanks to a set of ultra-low-background NaI(Tl) crystals that will soon be deployed at both Gran Sasso and the newly established Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory in Australia.

Meanwhile, the ASTAROTH R&D project in Milan is developing a cryogenic NaI(Tl)-based detector, where light is read for the first time using large-area SiPM matrices. This technology has the potential to surpass the limitations of current-generation experiments, enabling the exploration of sub-keV energy recoils where a significant fraction of the dark matter signal may be waiting to be uncovered.