First search for a dark matter annual modulation signal with NaI(Tl) in
  the Southern Hemisphere by DM-Ice17
  We present the first search for a dark matter annual modulation signal in the
Southern Hemisphere conducted with NaI(Tl) detectors, performed by the DM-Ice17
experiment. Nuclear recoils from dark matter interactions are expected to yield
an annually modulated signal independent of location within the Earth's
hemispheres. DM-Ice17, the first step in the DM-Ice experimental program,
consists of 17 kg of NaI(Tl) located at the South Pole under 2200 m.w.e.
overburden of Antarctic glacial ice. Taken over 3.6 years for a total exposure
of 60.8 kg yr, DM-Ice17 data are consistent with no modulation in the energy
range of 4-20 keV, providing the strongest limits on weakly interacting massive
particle dark matter from a direct detection experiment located in the Southern
Hemisphere. The successful deployment and stable long-term operation of
DM-Ice17 establishes the South Pole ice as a viable location for future dark
matter searches and in particular for a high-sensitivity NaI(Tl) dark matter
experiment to directly test the DAMA/LIBRA claim of the observation of dark
matter.
