DarkSide-20k sensitivity to light dark matter particles



Acerbi, F, Adhikari, P, Agnes, P, Ahmad, I, Albergo, S, Albuquerque, IFM, Alexander, T, Alton, AK, Amaudruz, P, Angiolilli, M
et al (show 302 more authors) (2024) DarkSide-20k sensitivity to light dark matter particles COMMUNICATIONS PHYSICS, 7 (1). 422-. ISSN 2399-3650, 2399-3650

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Abstract

The dual-phase liquid argon time projection chamber is presently one of the leading technologies to search for dark matter particles with masses below 10 GeV c−2. This was demonstrated by the DarkSide-50 experiment with approximately 50 kg of low-radioactivity liquid argon as target material. The next generation experiment DarkSide-20k, currently under construction, will use 1,000 times more argon and is expected to start operation in 2027. Based on the DarkSide-50 experience, here we assess the DarkSide-20k sensitivity to models predicting light dark matter particles, including Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) and sub-GeV c−2 particles interacting with electrons in argon atoms. With one year of data, a sensitivity improvement to dark matter interaction cross-sections by at least one order of magnitude with respect to DarkSide-50 is expected for all these models. A sensitivity to WIMP–nucleon interaction cross-sections below 1 × 10−42 cm2 is achievable for WIMP masses above 800 MeV c−2. With 10 years exposure, the neutrino fog can be reached for WIMP masses around 5 GeV c−2.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: 5106 Nuclear and Plasma Physics, 5107 Particle and High Energy Physics, 51 Physical Sciences
Divisions: Faculty of Science & Engineering
Faculty of Science & Engineering > School of Physical Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 15 Sep 2025 07:22
Last Modified: 23 May 2026 09:39
DOI: 10.1038/s42005-024-01896-z
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-024-01896-z
Related Websites:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3194383
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