School of Physics - Theses
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ItemDesigning and assessing model independent tests of the DAMA modulation( 2022-12)Particulate dark matter is a long hypothesised solution to various astrophysical observations seemingly at odds with a completely luminous universe. Despite the success of dark matter in explaining these observations, to date physicists have been unable to conclusively observe its interactions with Standard Model matter directly. This thesis will focus on trying to understand the results from the DAMA collaboration, which for the past two decades has reported a modulation signal consistent with dark matter, but in tension with other null experimental results under the usual dark matter assumptions. This study demonstrates the need for a model independent test of this signal to understand its origin, the requirements of such a test, and how different dark matter experiments can be compared or assessed to understand how sensitive they are to this elusive signal. This thesis examines such a study through the lens of a dark matter detector currently under construction in Australia: SABRE South. In particular, it will focus on purification techniques that can be used to produce benchmark low background equipment, detailed simulation studies that can guide the design of SABRE South, and the detailed analysis that must take place to understand how sensitive and or competitive SABRE South will ultimately be. It will also touch on interesting phenomenology studies that can be conducted with such a detector; examining non-standard or unusual dark matter models and signatures that are produced by relaxing the assumptions typically made about its fundamental nature, and distribution with the galaxy.