Singlet Majorana fermion dark matter: a comprehensive analysis in effective field theory

Abstract

We explore a singlet Majorana fermion dark matter candidate using an effective field theory (EFT) framework, respecting the relations imposed by the standard model $SU(3)_C \times SU(2)_L \times U(1)_Y$ gauge invariance among different couplings. All operators of dimension-5 and dimension-6, forming a complete basis, are taken into account at the same time, keeping in view ultraviolet completions which can give rise to more than one operator at a time. If in addition CP-conservation is assumed, the remaining parameter space, where an EFT description is valid, is found to be rather restricted after imposing constraints from relic abundance, direct, indirect and collider searches. On including the CP-violating dimension-5 operator, $(\overline{\chi}i \gamma_5 \chi) (H^\dagger H)$, a significantly larger parameter space opens up. We use the profile likelihood method to map out the remaining landscape of such a DM scenario. The reach of future searches using ton-scale direct detection experiments, an $e^+ e^-$ collider like the proposed ILC and limits from future gamma-ray observations are also estimated.