Physics & Astronomy Colloquium
3:30 PM, Friday, February 27, 2009
Room 155, Chem-Phys Building
Dr. David Tucker-Smith
Department of Physics
Williams College
Last year the DAMA/LIBRA dark matter direct detection experiment confirmed
the annual modulation signal reported previously by DAMA/NaI, with the
signal significance now above 8 sigma. Assuming that this signal is in
fact due to WIMP scattering off of nuclei, the question becomes how these
WIMPs have evaded detection at other experiments at such as CDMS and XENON.
I will discuss the idea that the dark matter particles dominantly scatter
inelastically - by making a transition to a slightly heavier state - and
will show that within this scenario all current results from direct detection
experiments are consistent. I will describe the distinctive features of
inelastic dark matter and present predictions for upcoming experiments,
where the scenario will either be confirmed or ruled out.
Refreshments will be served in CP 177 at 3:15 PM |
