D. Tomasi

Cold dark matter identification: Diurnal modulation reexamined

We report on new estimates of the modulation expected in semiconductor detectors due to the eclipsing of dark matter particles in the Earth. We reevaluate the theoretical modulation significances and discuss the differences found with previous calculations. We find that a significantly larger statistics than previously estimated is needed to achieve the same level of sensitivity in the modulated signal. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

Searching for cold dark matter in the Southern Hemisphere. The experiment at Sierra Grande

Abstract An experimental search of distinctive signals of WIMPs is underway at the Sierra Grande mine (∼ 1000 m.w.e.) in Argentina with a natural germanium detector. The site and the experimental set-up are described. The results corresponding to an exposure of 302.4 kg day are presented in the customary form of σ(m) exclusion plots. The region in the WIMP-Ge cross-section versus WIMP mass plane ruled out by this experiment for heavy, non-relativistic neutrino-like Dirac particles scattering coherently off Ge nuclei through vector weak interactions corresponds to masses from 12 GeV up to about 1.7 TeV. The data taking is in progress with the purpose of looking for possible daily modulation effects in the Southern Hemisphere.

Looking for daily modulation effects of WIMPs in the Southern Hemisphere

An experimental search of distinctive signals of WIMPs is underway at the Sierra Grande mine (∼1000 m.w.e.), in Argentina, with a natural germanium detector. The site and the experimental set-up are described. The results corresponding to an exposure of 302.4 kg day are presented in the customary form of σ(m) exclusion plots. First attempts to look for daily modulation effects are presented. The data taking is in progress with the purpose of looking for such possible modulation effects in the Southern Hemisphere.