Search for dark matter annual modulation with DarkSide-50

Abstract

Dark matter induced event rate in an Earth-based detector is predicted to show an annual modulation as a result of the Earth's orbital motion around the Sun. We searched for this modulation signature using the ionization signal of the DarkSide-50 liquid argon time projection chamber. No significant signature compatible with dark matter is observed in the electron recoil equivalent energy range above $40\mathrm{e}{\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{ee}}$, the lowest threshold ever achieved in such a search.

10 pages, 5 figures