arXiv subjects

K. W. Kim

Publications and source records attributed to K. W. Kim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Development of a 10 mol% Rubidium-doped CsI Crystal for $^{87}$Rb Beta-Spectroscopy and Sterile Neutrino Searches

The third-forbidden non-unique beta-decay of $^{87}$Rb to $^{87}$Sr (Q$_\beta = 282.275(6)$ keV) has long served as an important benchmark for understanding forbidden beta-decay. To investigate this, we have developed a novel CsI scintillator with a 10 mol% Rb concentration using the Bridgman method. The incorporated $^{87}$Rb serves as an intrinsic radioactive source, enabling a source-in-detector configuration with high detection efficiency and minimal energy loss for low-energy electrons from beta-decay. We investigated both Rb doped and Tl co-doped CsI crystals and characterized their scintillation properties, including light yield, energy resolution, and non-linear response. We report distinct scintillation characteristics for the CsI:Rb and CsI:Tl,Rb crystals, with light yields of $1.38\pm0.01$ and $4.73\pm0.13$ PE/keV, respectively. Using the measured $^{87}$Rb beta-spectrum, we search for a keV-scale sterile neutrino admixture through the characteristic kink-like distortion induced by a heavy neutrino mass eigenstate. This study provides a basis for future sterile neutrino searches using rubidium doped CsI crystal.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Temperature-Dependent Performance of NaI(Tl) Crystal with Dual-Channel SiPM Readout for Low-Mass Dark Matter Searches

We report the first temperature-dependent characterization of a NaI(Tl) crystal readout by two silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) directly coupled to opposite ends of the crystal for rare-event searches. A $6 \text{ mm} \times 6 \text{ mm} \times 13 \text{ mm}$ NaI(Tl) crystal was directly coupled to two SiPMs and characterized in a liquid nitrogen-cooled cryostat over a temperature range of 94$-$293 K. The light yield, energy resolution, and scintillation decay time were measured using $\gamma$-ray peak from a $^{241}$Am source. After correcting for optical crosstalk contributions, the light yield increased, reaching $17.7 \pm 1.1$ photoelectrons/keV at 238 K, corresponding to a 34.5% enhancement relative to room temperature (293 K). Furthermore, dual-channel configuration effectively suppresses random thermal noise via coincidence triggers, which together with the observed increase in light yield, provides a critical pathway toward lowering the energy threshold for dark matter and coherent elastic neutrino$-$nucleus scattering searches.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Probing unexplored spin-dependent dark matter-proton coupling with few-photoelectron threshold in COSINE-100

We report new constraints on the spin-dependent scattering cross section between low-mass dark matter and protons using data collected by the COSINE-100 experiment. By implementing a specialized event selection process using a multi-layer perceptron and robust noise mitigation, this analysis pioneers a detection threshold of 3 and 4 isolated peaks, corresponding to the reconstructed photoelectrons, which are significantly lower than the 8 photoelectron threshold used in previous analyses. In this unstudied few-photoelectron regime, where instrumental noise and phosphorescence are prevalent, we utilize a phenomenological background model to search for the annual modulation signal expected from the Standard Halo Model. No statistically significant annual modulation is observed in our data. We derive new 90% confidence level (C.L.) upper limits for the spin-dependent DM-proton cross section, establishing the world's most stringent constraints in the 1.75-2.25 GeV/c$^2$ mass range. Furthermore, by incorporating the Migdal effect, we extend the experimental sensitivity to the sub-GeV/c$^2$ regime, setting world-leading limits in the 15-58 MeV/c$^2$ range. These results demonstrate the capability of NaI(Tl) target materials to probe previously unexplored regions of the dark matter parameter space.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2026

Constraints on sub-GeV dark matter scattering on electrons with COSINE-100

We present results of the search for sub-GeV dark matter interaction with electrons in the NaI(Tl) crystals of the COSINE-100 experiment. The two benchmark scenarios of a heavy and a light vector boson as mediator of the interaction were studied. We found no excess events over the expected background in a data-set of 2.82 years, with a total exposure of 172.9 kg-year. The derived 90% confidence level upper limits exclude a DM-electron scattering cross section above 6.4 $\times$ 10$^{-33}$ cm$^2$ for a DM mass of 0.25 GeV, assuming a light mediator; and above 3.4 $\times$ 10$^{-37}$ cm$^2$ for a 0.4 GeV DM, assuming a heavy mediator, and represent the most stringent constraints for a NaI(Tl) target to date. We also briefly discuss a planned analysis using an annual modulation method below the current 0.7 keV threshold of COSINE-100, down to few photoelectrons yield.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Limits on WIMP dark matter with NaI(Tl) crystals in three years of COSINE-100 data

We report limits on WIMP dark matter derived from three years of data collected by the COSINE-100 experiment with NaI(Tl) crystals, achieving an improved energy threshold of 0.7 keV. This lowered threshold enhances sensitivity in the sub-GeV mass range, extending the reach for direct detection of low-mass dark matter. Although no excess of WIMP-like events was observed, the increased sensitivity enabled a model-insensitive comparison between the expected WIMP signal rate-based on mass limits from our data-and DAMA's reported modulation amplitude. Our findings strongly disfavor the DAMA signal as originating from WIMP interactions, fully excluding DAMA/LIBRA 3$σ$ allowed regions and providing enhanced WIMP mass limits by an order of magnitude in the spin-independent model compared to previous results. In the spin-dependent model, cross-section upper limits were obtained in the mass range [0.1-5.0] GeV/c$^2$, with additional sensitivity to sub-GeV WIMPs through the inclusion of the Migdal effect. These results represent substantial progress in low-mass dark matter exploration and reinforce constraints on the longstanding DAMA claim.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Combined Annual Modulation Dark Matter Search with COSINE-100 and ANAIS-112

The annual modulation signal, claimed to be consistent with dark matter as observed by DAMA/LIBRA in a sodium-iodide based detector, has persisted for over two decades. COSINE-100 and ANAIS-112 were designed to test the claim directly using the same target material. COSINE-100, located at Yangyang Underground Laboratory in South Korea, and ANAIS-112, located at Canfranc Underground Laboratory in Spain, have been taking data since 2016 and 2017, respectively. Each experiment published its respective results independently. In this paper, we present the results of an annual modulation search as a test of the signal observed by DAMA/LIBRA with the first three respective years of data from COSINE-100 and ANAIS-112. Using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, we find best fit values for modulation amplitude of $-0.0002 {\pm} 0.0026$ cpd/kg/keV in the 1-6 keV and $0.0021 {\pm} 0.0028$ cpd/kg/keV in the 2-6 keV energy regions. These results are not compatible with DAMA/LIBRA's assertion for their observation of annual modulation at $3.7σ$ and $2.6σ$, respectively. Performing a simple combination of the newly released 6-years datasets from both experiments find values consistent with no modulation at $0.0005 {\pm} 0.0019$ cpd/kg/keV in the 1-6 keV and $0.0027 {\pm} 0.0021$ cpd/kg/keV in the 2-6 keV energy regions with $4.68σ$ and $3.53σ$ respective exclusions of the DAMA/LIBRA signal.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

COSINE-100 Full Dataset Challenges the Annual Modulation Signal of DAMA/LIBRA

For over 25 years, the DAMA/LIBRA collaboration has claimed to observe an annual modulation signal, suggesting the existence of dark matter interactions. However, no experiment employing different target materials has observed a dark matter signal consistent with their result. To address this puzzle, the COSINE-100 collaboration conducted a model-independent test using sodium iodide crystal detectors, the same target material as DAMA/LIBRA. Analyzing data collected over 6.4 years by the effective mass of 61.3 kg, with improved energy calibration and time-dependent background modeling, we found no evidence of an annual modulation signal, challenging the DAMA/LIBRA result with a confidence level greater than 3$σ$. This finding represents a substantial step toward resolving the long-standing debate surrounding DAMA/LIBRA's dark matter claim, indicating that the observed modulation is unlikely to be caused by dark matter interactions.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Upgrading the COSINE-100 Experiment for Enhanced Sensitivity to Low-Mass Dark Matter Detection

The DAMA/LIBRA experiment has reported an annual modulation signal in NaI(Tl) detectors, which has been interpreted as a possible indication of dark matter interactions. However, this claim remains controversial, as several experiments have tested the modulation signal using NaI(Tl) detectors. Among them, the COSINE-100 experiment, specifically designed to test DAMA/LIBRA's claim, observed no significant signal, revealing a more than 3 $σ$ discrepancy with DAMA/LIBRA's results. Here we present COSINE-100U, an upgraded version of the experiment, which aims to expand the search for dark matter interactions by improving light collection efficiency and reducing background noise. The detector, consisting of eight NaI(Tl) crystals with a total mass of 99.1 kg, has been relocated to Yemilab, a new underground facility in Korea, and features direct PMT-coupling technology to enhance sensitivity. These upgrades significantly improve the experiment's ability to probe low-mass dark matter candidates, contributing to the ongoing global effort to clarify the nature of dark matter.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

First Direct Search for Light Dark Matter Using the NEON Experiment at a Nuclear Reactor

We report new results from the Neutrino Elastic Scattering Observation with NaI (NEON) experiment in the search for light dark matter (LDM) using 2,636 kg$\cdot$days of NaI(Tl) exposure. The experiment employs an array of NaI(Tl) crystals with a total mass of 16.7 kg, located 23.7 meters away from a 2.8 GW thermal power nuclear reactor. We investigated LDM produced by the $\textit{invisible decay}$ of dark photons generated by high-flux photons during reactor operation. The energy spectra collected during reactor-on and reactor-off periods were compared within the LDM signal region of $1-10$ keV. No signal consistent with LDM interaction with electrons was observed, allowing us to set 90% confidence level exclusion limits for the dark matter-electron scattering cross-section ($σ_e$) across dark matter masses ranging from 1 keV/c$^2$ to 1 MeV/c$^2$. Our results set a 90% confidence level upper limit of $σ_e = 3.17\times10^{-35}~\mathrm{cm^2}$ for a dark matter mass of 100 keV/c$^2$, marking the best laboratory result in this mass range. Additionally, our search extends the coverage of LDM below 100 keV/c$^2$ first time.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

Lowering threshold of NaI(Tl) scintillator to 0.7 keV in the COSINE-100 experiment

COSINE-100 is a direct dark matter search experiment, with the primary goal of testing the annual modulation signal observed by DAMA/LIBRA, using the same target material, NaI(Tl). In previous analyses, we achieved the same 1 keV energy threshold used in the DAMA/LIBRA's analysis that reported an annual modulation signal with 11.6$σ$ significance. In this article, we report an improved analysis that lowered the threshold to 0.7 keV, thanks to the application of Multi-Layer Perception network and a new likelihood parameter with waveforms in the frequency domain. The lower threshold would enable a better comparison of COSINE-100 with new DAMA results with a 0.75 keV threshold and account for differences in quenching factors. Furthermore the lower threshold can enhance COSINE-100's sensitivity to sub-GeV dark matter searches.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

Improved background modeling for dark matter search with COSINE-100

COSINE-100 aims to conclusively test the claimed dark matter annual modulation signal detected by DAMA/LIBRA collaboration. DAMA/LIBRA has released updated analysis results by lowering the energy threshold to 0.75 keV through various upgrades. They have consistently claimed to have observed the annual modulation. In COSINE-100, it is crucial to lower the energy threshold for a direct comparison with DAMA/LIBRA, which also enhances the sensitivity of the search for low-mass dark matter, enabling COSINE-100 to explore this area. Therefore, it is essential to have a precise and quantitative understanding of the background spectrum across all energy ranges. This study expands the background modeling from 0.7 to 4000 keV using 2.82 years of COSINE-100 data. The modeling has been improved to describe the background spectrum across all energy ranges accurately. Assessments of the background spectrum are presented, considering the nonproportionality of NaI(Tl) crystals at both low and high energies and the characteristic X-rays produced by the interaction of external backgrounds with materials such as copper. Additionally, constraints on the fit parameters obtained from the alpha spectrum modeling fit are integrated into this model. These improvements are detailed in the paper.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2024

Measurements of low-energy nuclear recoil quenching factors for Na and I recoils in the NaI(Tl) scintillator

Elastic scattering off nuclei in target detectors, involving interactions with dark matter and coherent elastic neutrino nuclear recoil (CE$ν$NS), results in the deposition of low energy within the nuclei, dissipating rapidly through a combination of heat and ionization. The primary energy loss mechanism for nuclear recoil is heat, leading to consistently smaller measurable scintillation signals compared to electron recoils of the same energy. The nuclear recoil quenching factor (QF), representing the ratio of scintillation light yield produced by nuclear recoil to that of electron recoil at the same energy, is a critical parameter for understanding dark matter and neutrino interactions with nuclei. The low energy QF of NaI(Tl) crystals, commonly employed in dark matter searches and CE$ν$NS measurements, is of substantial importance. Previous low energy QF measurements were constrained by contamination from photomultiplier tube (PMT)-induced noise, resulting in an observed light yield of approximately 15 photoelectrons per keVee (kilo-electron-volt electron-equivalent energy) and nuclear recoil energy above 5 keVnr (kilo-electron-volt nuclear recoil energy). Through enhanced crystal encapsulation, an increased light yield of around 26 photoelectrons per keVee is achieved. This improvement enables the measurement of the nuclear recoil QF for sodium nuclei at an energy of 3.8 $\pm$ 0.6 keVnr with a QF of 11.2 $\pm$ 1.7%. Furthermore, a reevaluation of previously reported QF results is conducted, incorporating enhancements in low energy events based on waveform simulation. The outcomes are generally consistent with various recent QF measurements for sodium and iodine.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

Waveform Simulation for Scintillation Characteristics of NaI(Tl) Crystal

The lowering of the energy threshold in the NaI detector is crucial not only for comprehensive validation of DAMA/LIBRA but also for exploring new possibilities in the search for low-mass dark matter and observing coherent elastic scattering between neutrino and nucleus. Alongside hardware enhancements, extensive efforts have focused on refining event selection to discern noise, achieved through parameter development and the application of machine learning. Acquiring pure, unbiased datasets is crucial in this endeavor, for which a waveform simulation was developed. The simulation data were compared with the experimental data using several pulse shape discrimination parameters to test its performance in describing the experimental data. Additionally, we present the outcomes of multi-variable machine learning trained with simulation data as a scintillation signal sample. The distributions of outcomes for experimental and simulation data show a good agreement. As an application of the waveform simulation, we validate the trigger efficiency alongside estimations derived from the minimally biased measurement data.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Nonproportionality of NaI(Tl) Scintillation Detector for Dark Matter Search Experiments

We present a comprehensive study of the nonproportionality of NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors within the context of dark matter search experiments. Our investigation, which integrates COSINE-100 data with supplementary $γ$ spectroscopy, measures light yields across diverse energy levels from full-energy $γ$ peaks produced by the decays of various isotopes. These $γ$ peaks of interest were produced by decays supported by both long and short-lived isotopes. Analyzing peaks from decays supported only by short-lived isotopes presented a unique challenge due to their limited statistics and overlapping energies, which was overcome by long-term data collection and a time-dependent analysis. A key achievement is the direct measurement of the 0.87 keV light yield, resulting from the cascade following electron capture decay of $^{22}$Na from internal contamination. This measurement, previously accessible only indirectly, deepens our understanding of NaI(Tl) scintillator behavior in the region of interest for dark matter searches. This study holds substantial implications for background modeling and the interpretation of dark matter signals in NaI(Tl) experiments.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

Upgrade of NaI(Tl) crystal encapsulation for the NEON experiment

The Neutrino Elastic-scattering Observation with NaI(Tl) experiment (NEON) aims to detect coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering~(\cenns) in a NaI(Tl) crystal using reactor anti-electron neutrinos at the Hanbit nuclear power plant complex. A total of 13.3 kg of NaI(Tl) crystals were initially installed in December 2020 at the tendon gallery, 23.7$\pm$0.3\,m away from the reactor core, which operates at a thermal power of 2.8\,GW. Initial engineering operation was performed from May 2021 to March 2022 and observed unexpected photomultiplier-induced noise and a decreased light yield that were caused by leakage of liquid scintillator into the detector due to weakness of detector encapsulation. We upgraded the detector encapsulation design to prevent the leakage of the liquid scintillator. Meanwhile two small-sized detectors were replaced with larger ones resulting in a total mass of 16.7\,kg. With this new design implementation, the detector system has been operating stably since April 2022 for over a year without detector gain drop. In this paper, we present an improved crystal encapsulation design and stability of the NEON experiment.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Alpha backgrounds in NaI(Tl) crystals of COSINE-100

COSINE-100 is a dark matter direct detection experiment with 106 kg NaI(Tl) as the target material. 210Pb and daughter isotopes are a dominant background in the WIMP region of interest and are detected via beta decay and alpha decay. Analysis of the alpha channel complements the background model as observed in the beta/gamma channel. We present the measurement of the quenching factors and Monte Carlo simulation results and activity quantification of the alpha decay components of the COSINE-100 NaI(Tl) crystals. The data strongly indicate that the alpha decays probabilistically undergo two possible quenching factors but require further investigation. The fitted results are consistent with independent measurements and improve the overall understanding of the COSINE-100 backgrounds. Furthermore, the half-life of 216Po has been measured to be 143.4 +/- 1.2 ms, which is consistent with and more precise than recent measurements.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

Scintillation characteristics of an undoped CsI crystal at low-temperature for dark matter search

The scintillation characteristics of 1 g undoped CsI crystal were studied by directly coupling two silicon photomultipliers(SiPMs) over a temperature range from room temperature to 86 K. The scintillation decay time and light output were measured using x-ray and gamma-ray peaks from a 109Cd radioactive source. An increase in decay time was observed as the temperature decreased from room temperature to 86 K, ranging from 76 ns to 605 ns. The light output also increased, reaching 26.2 +/- 1.3 photoelectrons per keV electron-equivalent at 86 K. Leveraging the significantly enhanced scintillation light output of the undoped CsI crystal at low temperatures, coupling it with SiPMs results in a promising detector for rare event searches. Both cesium and iodine have an odd number of protons, making them suitable targets for probing dark matter-proton spin-dependent interactions. This study evaluates the sensitivity of the proposed detector to such interactions, incorporating the Migdal effect and assuming 200 kg of undoped CsI crystals for dark matter searches. The results indicate that undoped CsI coupled with SiPM can achieve world-competitive sensitivity for low-mass dark matter detection, particularly in the context of dark matter-proton spin-dependent interactions.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Search for inelastic WIMP-iodine scattering with COSINE-100

We report the results of a search for inelastic scattering of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) off $^{127}$I nuclei using NaI(Tl) crystals with a data exposure of 97.7 kg$\cdot$years from the COSINE-100 experiment. The signature of inelastic WIMP-$^{127}$I scattering is a nuclear recoil accompanied by a 57.6 keV $γ$-ray from the prompt deexcitation, producing a more energetic signal compared to the typical WIMP nuclear recoil signal. We found no evidence for this inelastic scattering signature and set a 90 $\%$ confidence level upper limit on the WIMP-proton spin-dependent, inelastic scattering cross section of $1.2 \times 10^{-37} {\rm cm^{2}}$ at the WIMP mass 500 ${\rm GeV/c^{2}}$.

hep-ex↗