First Constraints from DAMIC-M on Sub-GeV Dark-Matter Particles Interacting with Electrons

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Cosmology
• Astrophysics

Background:

• The nature of dark matter remains one of the most significant unsolved problems in physics.
• Sub-GeV dark matter particles interacting with electrons are a compelling theoretical possibility.
• Detecting such faint signals requires highly sensitive, low-noise detectors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To constrain the properties of sub-GeV dark matter particles interacting with electrons.
• To explore new regions of dark matter parameter space using the DAMIC-M detector.
• To leverage the unique capabilities of DAMIC-M's charge-coupled devices for dark matter detection.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the first underground operation data from DAMIC-M detectors.
• Employing charge-coupled devices (CCDs) with sub-electron charge resolution and low dark current.
• Searching for dark matter-induced ionization signals within a specific charge range (up to 7e⁻).

Main Results:

• Placing new limits on dark matter particle masses from 0.53 to 1000 MeV/c².
• Excluding unexplored parameter space for ultralight mediators in the mass range [1.6, 1000] MeV/c².
• Excluding unexplored parameter space for heavy mediators in the mass range [1.5, 15.1] MeV/c².

Conclusions:

• The DAMIC-M experiment provides significant constraints on sub-GeV dark matter models.
• The results demonstrate the potential of DAMIC-M's CCDs for future dark matter searches.
• This study advances our understanding of dark matter interactions with ordinary matter.