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arXiv · 2601.00597

Improved liquid argon ionization model and its impact on the DarkSide low-mass WIMP search programme

Davide Franco
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Abstract

DarkSide-50 achieved leading WIMP limits down to 1.2 GeV/c2 with an ionization-only analysis, despite its small active mass of 46 kg compared to multi-ton noble-liquid detectors. Accurate modelling of the nuclear-recoil ionization yield (Qy) is central to interpreting such searches. A new global fit combining nuclear-recoil response measurements from DarkSide-50, ARIS, SCENE, and the recent ReD experiment constrains Qy between 0.4 and 150 keV within the Thomas-Imel box framework. The dependence on screening potentials is addressed through a Bayesian model comparison, which rejects the ZBL and Moli\`ere functions and strongly favours the Lenz-Jensen one. The resulting model improves DarkSide-50 sensitivity below 3 GeV/c2 and refines the DarkSide-20k sensitivity accordingly.

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Davide Franco. 2026-01-02. Improved liquid argon ionization model and its impact on the DarkSide low-mass WIMP search programme. https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.00597

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