CTA in the context of searches for particle dark matter - A glimpse

Abstract

In this contribution, CTAs potential role in detection of particle dark matter in the context of other detection approaches is briefly discussed for an audience of gamma-ray astronomers. In particular searches for new particles at the large hadron collider and detection of dark matter particles in deep underground detectors are considered. We will focus on Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMP). Approaches will be compared in terms of (a) robustness of sensitivity predictions, (b) timeline and (c) reach. The estimate of the reach will be model-dependent. Given our ignorance about the nature of dark matter, and the complementarity of detection techniques even within a given framework (e.g. Supersymmetry), the trivial conclusion is that we might need all approaches and the most sensitive experiments. Our discussion will be somewhat more restrictive in order to be able to be more concrete. With the caveat of incompleteness, under the assumption that the WIMP paradigm describes nature, CTA is more likely to discover multi-TeV WIMP dark matter, whereas for lower masses direct detection and LHC has significantly better prospects. We will illustrate this conclusion with examples from foremost Supersymmetry, but mention effective field theory or simplified models. We comment on a few models predicting high mass WIMPs, in particular 1 TeV higgsino and wino WIMPs, as well as Minimal Dark Matter and point out the relevance of updated measurements of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon for CTAs role in searches for Supersymmetry.