• The SABRE South experiment aims to independently confirm DAMA/LIBRA's dark matter detection results using similar principles but in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The experiment utilizes ultra-pure sodium iodide crystals and a liquid scintillator to detect dark matter interactions while filtering out background noise.
• Data collection is expected to start by the end of 2025, potentially confirming or refuting persistent anomalies in dark matter research and enhancing Australia's role in particle physics.

The SABRE South Collaboration has published its Technical Design Report, detailing the experimental setup for the SABRE South dark matter experiment in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) in Victoria, Australia. This experiment is designed to search for dark matter from the Southern Hemisphere and provide independent confirmation of results previously reported by the DAMA/LIBRA experiment in Italy, which have been controversial due to a lack of independent verification. The experiment aims to resolve this issue by operating under similar principles but from a different hemisphere to rule out seasonal or environmental effects.

• What: The SABRE South experiment is designed to detect dark matter using ultra-pure sodium iodide crystals and a liquid scintillator. It aims to confirm or refute the DAMA/LIBRA experiment's findings by operating in the Southern Hemisphere and filtering out background noise using muon detectors.
• Who: The SABRE South Collaboration includes scientists from The University of Melbourne, The University of Adelaide, The University of Sydney, Swinburne University of Technology, and the Australian National University. Key personnel include Lachlan Milligan and Professor Phillip Urquijo.
• When: Data collection is expected to begin by the end of 2025. The project has been in development for nearly ten years.
• Where: The experiment is located in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) in Victoria, Australia.

The SABRE South experiment is significant because it addresses a crucial gap in dark matter research: the lack of independent verification of the DAMA/LIBRA experiment's findings. By operating in the Southern Hemisphere with similar detection principles, SABRE South aims to rule out seasonal or environmental factors that could explain DAMA/LIBRA's results. The project's long-term commitment and involvement of multiple Australian institutions highlight its importance for advancing particle physics research in Australia and globally. The detailed Technical Design Report signifies thorough planning and technical development, increasing the likelihood of accurate data collection and analysis.

He said early-stage involvement in building the experiment provides a rare opportunity for graduate students, as most join projects after experiments have already begun taking data.

He said the team has prepared for this phase for nearly ten years. He added that the report reflects the depth of planning and technical development required to construct a world-class dark matter detector.

The SABRE South experiment represents a significant effort to address one of the most persistent questions in dark matter research. With data collection expected to begin by the end of 2025, the experiment has the potential to either confirm or refute the DAMA/LIBRA experiment's controversial findings. This will not only contribute to our understanding of dark matter but also strengthen Australia's position in the global particle physics community. The project underscores the importance of independent verification and international collaboration in scientific research.