Is a WIMP explanation of the DAMA modulation effect still viable?

Abstract

We show that the weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) scenario of protonphilic spin-dependent inelastic dark matter can still provide a viable explanation of the observed DAMA effect in compliance with the constraints from other experiments. We also show that, although the COSINE-100 collaboration has recently tested the DAMA effect using the same target material, for the time being the comparison between DAMA and COSINE-100 still depends on the particle-physics model.

Annual modulations from secular variations: relaxing DAMA?

“…The ANAIS [7][8][9] and COSINE [10][11][12] experiments employ NaI crystals like DAMA, and are also looking for an annual modulation in the counting rate. So far they have not reported any modulation, but their sensitivity is not yet sufficient to probe the DAMA signal [12,13]. Furthermore, a DM signal compatible with the DAMA result has not been confirmed by other experiments which use different detectors and techniques (see e.g.…”

Inelastic Dark Matter and the SABRE experiment

“…Observation of this modulating signal is thought to be a clear signpost of DM within the galaxy, and can be observed without needing to assume any particular DM interaction model. In addition to this, pSIDM models in particular are expected to have a much stronger modulation than standard elastic WIMP models [30]. Thus, analysis of a clear R 0 attributable to DM as well as R m may help to distinguish between various models under consideration.…”