Direct detection of dark matter with MadDM v.2.0

Abstract

We present MadDM v.2.0, a numerical tool for dark matter physics in a generic model. This version is the next step towards the development of a fully automated framework for dark matter searches at the interface of collider physics, astro-physics and cosmology. It extends the capabilities of v.1.0 to perform calculations relevant to the direct detection of dark matter. These include calculations of spin-independent/spin-dependent nucleon scattering cross sections and nuclear recoil rates (as a function of both energy and angle), as well as a simplified functionality to compare the model points with existing constraints. The functionality of MadDM v.2.0 incorporates a large selection of dark matter detector materials and sizes, and simulates detector effects on the nuclear recoil signals. We validate the code in a wide range of dark matter models by comparing results from MadDM v.2.0 to the existing tools and literature.