Dark matter remains one of the central open questions in particle physics. Astrophysical and cosmological observations imply its existence, yet its underlying nature is unknown. Low-temperature detectors are a powerful technology for detecting dark matter particles, offering excellent energy resolution and low energy thresholds. COSINUS is the only experiment that combines scintillating sodium iodide (NaI) crystals with an additional phonon readout at cryogenic temperatures, using superconducting sensors (remoTES), alongside the conventional scintillation light signal. Via the simultaneous phonon and scintillation light detection, a unique event-by-event particle identification is enabled. Here we show that this dual-channel approach allows for a model-independent cross-check of the long-standing DAMA/LIBRA signal claim with a moderate exposure of a few hundred kg d, while completely avoiding key systematic uncertainties inherent to scintillation-only NaI-based searches. COSINUS built and commissioned a dedicated low-background cryogenic facility at the LNGS underground laboratories. Data taking with eight NaI detector modules (COSINUS-1π Run1) is planned to begin in 2026. Dark matter remains one of the greatest mysteries in physics, with the DAMA/LIBRA experiment uniquely claiming a direct detection signal. Here, the authors introduce COSINUS, combining scintillating sodium iodide crystals with dual phonon and scintillation light readout at cryogenic temperatures, enabling a direct and unambiguous assessment of DAMA/LIBRA’s claims while minimizing systematic uncertainties by using particle identification and the same target material.
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