• SABRE South experiment aims to independently confirm or refute the DAMA/LIBRA experiment's dark matter detection claims.
• The experiment utilizes ultra-pure sodium iodide crystals and a sophisticated detector system in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory.
• Data collection is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with the potential to significantly advance dark matter research.

The SABRE South Collaboration has published the Technical Design Report for its dark matter experiment, which is being installed in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) in Victoria, Australia. This experiment is designed to search for dark matter from the Southern Hemisphere, with the primary goal of confirming or refuting the results of the DAMA/LIBRA experiment in Italy, which has reported annual modulation signals consistent with dark matter. The SABRE South experiment uses similar principles but operates from a different hemisphere to rule out seasonal or environmental effects, using ultra-pure sodium iodide crystals and a complex detection system.

• What: The SABRE South experiment is designed to detect dark matter using ultra-pure sodium iodide crystals within a sophisticated detector system.
• 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 individuals include Lachlan Milligan and Professor Phillip Urquijo.
• When: The Technical Design Report has been published. Data collection is expected to begin by the end of 2025.
• Where: The experiment is being installed in the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL) in Victoria, Australia.

The SABRE South experiment is significant because it aims to independently verify the controversial results from the DAMA/LIBRA experiment, which has reported detecting dark matter. By operating in the Southern Hemisphere with a similar experimental design, SABRE South can help rule out potential systematic errors or environmental factors that might explain DAMA/LIBRA's findings. The project represents a major investment in dark matter research and could significantly strengthen Australia's role in global particle physics.

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.

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 step forward in the search for dark matter. By independently verifying the DAMA/LIBRA results, it can either confirm the existence of dark matter signals or prompt a re-evaluation of current detection methods. With data collection expected to begin by the end of 2025, the project holds the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe's most elusive substance and bolster Australia's position in global particle physics research.