Search

We summarize the evidence for DM-like anomalies in neutron multiplicity spectra collected underground with Pb targets by three independent experiments: NEMESIS (at 210 m.w.e.) NMDS (at 583 m.w.e.), and ZEPLIN-II (at 2850 m.w.e.). A new analysis shows small but persistent anomalies at high neutron multiplicities. Adjusted for differences in detection efficiencies, the positions of the anomalies are consistent between the three systems. Also, the intensities match when corrected for the acquisition time and estimated detection efficiency. While the three measurements are inconclusive when analyzed separately, together, they exclude a statistical fluke to better than one in a million. To prove the existence of the anomalies above the 5-sigma discovery threshold, we propose to upgrade the current NEMESIS setup. The upgrade concept and the critical components of the new experiment are described. The upgraded setup would already acquire the needed data sample during the first year of operation. Additional information, vital for the physics interpretation of the analysis, will be obtained with a Cu target.

A new experiment collects data, since November 2019, at a depth of 210 m.w.e. in the Callio Lab in the Pyhasalmi mine in Finland. The setup, called NEMESIS (New Emma MEasurementS Including neutronS), incorporates infrastructure from the EMMA experiment with neutron and large-area plastic scintillator detectors. The experiment’s primary aim is to combine muon tracking with position-sensitive neutron detection to measure precision yields, multiplicities, and lateral distributions of high-multiplicity neutron events induced by cosmic muons in various materials. The data are relevant for background evaluation of the deep-underground searches for Dark Matter (DM), neutrino-less double beta decay, etc. Preliminary analysis revealed anomalies in muon-suppressed neutron multiplicity spectra collected during a 344-day run (live time) with a 565 kg Pb target. The spectra, otherwise well described by an exponential fit, show three peaks at high multiplicities. Although still at a low statistical significance, these small excesses match the outcome of an earlier measurement. The nature of the anomalies remains unclear, but, in principle, they may be a signature of self-annihilation of a WIMP with a mass close to 13 GeV/c2. With that assumption, the expected cross-section would be around 10−42 cm2 for Spin-Dependent or 10−46 cm2 for Spin Independent interactions. We propose verifying this hypothesis with an upgraded NEMESIS experiment, able to collect an order of magnitude more data than this measurement. Based on the statistical uncertainty, analysis of the event rate indicates that cross-section limits for DM mass range of approximately 3-40 GeV/c2 can be investigated with such a setup.

Pyhäsalmi, in the Town of Pyhäjärvi, hosts one of the northernmost deep underground laboratories in Europe, the Callio Lab. Its origins are in underground physics (Centre for Underground Physics in Pyhäsalmi, CUPP), but gradually it has turned into a multi- and transdisciplinary research environment utilising both the surface and underground. Besides research, the infrastructure is open for business and innovation under the Callio – Mine for Business. The pre-investment for an underground pumped-hydro storage facility to be built at the area utilising the existing tunnel network for construction has been made. This investment ensures the existing and future utilisation of the underground and surface facilities.