A search for the dark matter annual modulation in South Pole ice

Astrophysical observations and cosmological data have led to the conclusion that nearly one quarter of the Universe consists of dark matter. Should dark matter interact with nucleons, it has been postulated that an observable signature of dark matter is an annual modulation in the rate of dark matter-nucleon interactions taking place in an Earth-bound experiment. To search for this effect, we introduce the concept for a new dark matter experiment using NaI scintillation detectors deployed deep in the South Pole ice. This experiment complements dark matter search efforts in the Northern Hemisphere and will investigate the observed annual modulation in the DAMA/LIBRA and DAMA/NaI experiments. The unique location will permit the study of background effects correlated with seasonal variations and the surrounding environment. This paper describes the experimental concept and explores the sensitivity of a 250 kg NaI experiment at the South Pole.

► We describe a dark matter experiment using NaI crystals deployed in South Pole ice.
► We explore the sensitivity of a 250 kg NaI dark matter experiment.
► A 250 kg NaI experiment will investigate the annual modulation reported by DAMA/LIBRA.