Dark matter detection experiments using liquid argon rely on a precise characterization of the ionization response to nuclear recoils, especially in the keVenergy range relevant for light dark matter interactions. In this work, we present a comprehensive analysis that combines new measurements from the ReD setup, part of the DarkSide experimental program, with calibration data from DarkSide-50, as well as results from the ARIS and SCENE experiments. These combined datasets enable improved constraints on atomic screening effects in the modeling of the ionization response of liquid argon to nuclear recoils. The analysis is performed within the Thomas-Imel recombination framework adopted in previous DarkSide studies, and is here further constrained by the inclusion of ReD data, which allow the screening function to be determined from calibration measurements. By including the updated ionization model into the DarkSide-50 analysis framework, we obtain stronger exclusion limits on low-mass weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) interactions, setting new world-leading constraints in the 1–3 GeV=c2 WIMP mass range. Finally, we recast the sensitivity projections for the upcoming DarkSide-20k detector, demonstrating a significantly enhanced discovery potential for low-mass dark matter candidates.

Sensitivity to low-mass WIMPs with an improved liquid argon ionization response model within the DarkSide program / Acerbi, F., Adhikari, P., Agnes, P., Ahmad, I., Albergo, S., Albuquerque, I. f., Alexander, T., Alton, A. k., Amaudruz, P., Angiolilli, M., Aprile, E., Atzori Corona, M., Auty, D. j., Ave, M., Avetisov, I. c., Azzolini, O., Back, H. o., Balmforth, Z., Barrado Olmedo, A. i., Barrillon, P., et al.. - In: PHYSICAL REVIEW D. - ISSN 2470-0010. - ELETTRONICO. - 113:12(2026), pp. 1-10. [10.1103/x3vt-q676]

Sensitivity to low-mass WIMPs with an improved liquid argon ionization response model within the DarkSide program

Blua, S.;
2026

Abstract

Dark matter detection experiments using liquid argon rely on a precise characterization of the ionization response to nuclear recoils, especially in the keVenergy range relevant for light dark matter interactions. In this work, we present a comprehensive analysis that combines new measurements from the ReD setup, part of the DarkSide experimental program, with calibration data from DarkSide-50, as well as results from the ARIS and SCENE experiments. These combined datasets enable improved constraints on atomic screening effects in the modeling of the ionization response of liquid argon to nuclear recoils. The analysis is performed within the Thomas-Imel recombination framework adopted in previous DarkSide studies, and is here further constrained by the inclusion of ReD data, which allow the screening function to be determined from calibration measurements. By including the updated ionization model into the DarkSide-50 analysis framework, we obtain stronger exclusion limits on low-mass weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) interactions, setting new world-leading constraints in the 1–3 GeV=c2 WIMP mass range. Finally, we recast the sensitivity projections for the upcoming DarkSide-20k detector, demonstrating a significantly enhanced discovery potential for low-mass dark matter candidates.
2026
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
x3vt-q676.pdf

accesso aperto

Tipologia: 2a Post-print versione editoriale / Version of Record
Licenza: Creative commons
Dimensione 1.57 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.57 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri
Pubblicazioni consigliate

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11583/3015020