Search for WIMP annual modulation signature: Results from DAMA/NaI-3 and DAMA/NaI-4 and the global combined analysis

Data, collected by the similar or equal to 100 kg NaI(TI) DAMA set-up at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory of I.N.F.N. during two further yearly cycles (DAMA/NaI-3 and DAMA/NaI-4; statistics of 38475 kg (.) day), have been analysed in terms of WIMP annual modulation signature. The results agree with those previously achieved. The cumulative analysis of all the available data (DAMA/NaI-1 to 4; statistics of 57986 kg(.)day) favours the possible presence of a WIMP with M-W = (52(-8)(+10)) GeV and xi sigma(p) = (7.2(-0.9)(+0.4)) (.) 10(-6) pb at 4 sigma C.L., when standard astrophysical assumptions are considered. The allowed mass extends up to 105 GeV (1 sigma) when the uncertainty on the mean value of the local velocity v(0) is taken into account and up to 132 GeV(1 a) in case a possible bulk halo rotation is taken into account. Moreover, the allowed regions extend to lower xi sigma(p) values when the upper limits on the recoil differential counting rate obtained from DAMA/NaI-0 is included in the cumulative analysis (favouring, in case of standard assumptions, M-w = (44(-9)(+12)) GeV and xi sigma(p) = (5.4 +/- 1.0) (.)10(-6) pb at similar or equal to 4 sigma C.L.). The 3 sigma C.L. allowed regions in the xi sigma(p), M-w plane summarize the obtained main physical results. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.