Predicted rates for direct WIMP searches

Abstract

The differential event rate for direct detection of dark matter, both the time averaged and the modulated one due to the motion of the Earth, are discussed. The calculations focus on relatively light cold dark matter candidates (WIMP) and low energy transfers. It is shown that for some WIMP masses the modulation amplitude may change sign. This effect can be exploited to yield information about the mass of the dark matter candidate.