The Role of Small Scale Experiments in the Direct Detection of Dark Matter

Abstract

In the direct detection of the galactic dark matter, experiments using cryogenic solid-state detectors or noble liquids play for years a very relevant role, with increasing target mass and more and more complex detection systems. But smaller projects, based on very sensitive, advanced detectors following new technologies, could help in the exploration of the different proposed dark matter scenarios too. There are experiments focused on the observation of distinctive signatures of dark matter, like an annual modulation of the interaction rates or the directionality of the signal; other ones are intended to specifically investigate low mass dark matter candidates or particular interactions. For this kind of dark matter experiments at small scale, the physics case will be discussed and selected projects will be described, summarizing the basics of their detection methods and presenting their present status, recent results and prospects.

Revisiting the Okubo–Marshak Argument

“…The contemporary main selling point is still the "axiverse"; in other words, the search for the axion is nowadays essentially model-free. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, to be sure, and so the hunting for ALPs is bound to go on [52].…”