First results on sub-GeV spin-dependent dark matter interactions with $$^{7}$$Li

In this work, we want to highlight the potential of lithium as a target for spin-dependent dark matter search in cryogenic experiments, with a special focus on the low-mass region of the parameter space. We operated a prototype detector module based on a Li 2MoO 4 target crystal in an above-ground laboratory. Despite the high background environment, the detector sets a competitive limit on spin-dependent interactions of dark matter particles with protons and neutrons for masses between 0.8GeV/c2 and 1.5GeV/c2.