Can WIMP Spin Dependent Couplings explain DAMA data, in light of Null Results from Other Experiments?

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  • 19 August 2004
Abstract
We examine whether the annual modulation found by the DAMA dark matter experiment can be explained by Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), in light of new null results from other experiments. CDMS II has already ruled out WIMP/nucleus spin-independent couplings as an explanation for DAMA data. Hence we here focus on spin-dependent (axial vector; SD) couplings of WIMPs to nuclei. We expand upon previous work by (i) considering the general case of coupling to both protons and neutrons and (ii) incorporating bounds from all existing experiments. We note the surprising fact that CMDS II places the strongest bound on the WIMP-neutron cross-section. We find that, for WIMP masses above 18 GeV and below 5 GeV, there is no region of parameter space that is compatible with DAMA and all other experiments. In the range (5-18) GeV, we find acceptable regions of parameter space, including ones in which the WIMP/neutron coupling is comparable to the WIMP/proton coupling.

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