First results from DAMA/LIBRA–phase2

Abstract The first results obtained by the DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 experiment with the data collected deep underground at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory over 6 independent annual cycles (corresponding to a total exposure of 1.13 ton × yr) are presented. The DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 apparatus, about 250 kg highly radio-pure NaI(Tl), profits of a second generation high quantum efficiency photomultipliers and of new electronics; in the new configuration the software energy threshold is at 1 keV. The DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 data confirm the evidence of a signal that meets all the requirements of the model independent Dark Matter annual modulation signature, at 9.5 σ C.L. in the energy region (1-6) keV. In the energy region between 2 and 6 keV, where data are also available from DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA–phase1 the achieved C.L. for the full exposure (2.46 ton × yr) is 12.9 σ .