The ASTAROTH Project: enhanced low-energy sensitivity to Dark Matter annual modulation

Abstract ASTAROTH is a novel R&D project which aims at improving the physics reach of future direct dark matter detection experiments based on NaI(Tl) scintillating crystals. There strong need to test long standing DAMA positive observation an annual modulation that could be due Dark Matter (DM), with same target material and in model independent way. aim enhancement sensitivity signal, compared present technology, by lowering energy threshold order observe sub-keV recoils for first time. This can achieved reading scintillation light from crystals arrays Silicon PhotoMultipliers (SiPM), placing detectors cryogenic environment. SiPMs feature lower noise than Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) T < 150 K allow higher collection. The cooling medium liquid Argon, as it excellent scintillator instrumented act veto against several backgrounds. Here we status project, introducing innovative design detector chamber will used demonstration technology. Then, show preliminary results our ever measurements performed single crystal read out one SiPM array set-up cooled nitrogen.