Dark Matter Constraints Research Articles

Gamma-ray bounds from EAS detectors and heavy decaying dark matter constraints

The very high energy Galactic γ-ray sky is partially opaque in the (0.1–10) PeV energy range. In the light of the recently detected high energy neutrino flux by IceCube, a comparable very high energy γ-ray flux is expected in any scenario with a sizable Galactic contribution to the neutrino flux. Here we elaborate on the peculiar energy and anisotropy features imposed upon these very high energy γ-rays by the absorption on the cosmic microwave background photons and Galactic interstellar light. As a notable application of our considerations, we study the prospects of probing the PeV-scale decaying DM scenario, proposed as a possible source of IceCube neutrinos, by extensive air shower (EAS) cosmic ray experiments. In particular, we show that anisotropy measurements at EAS experiments are already sensitive to τDM∼ \U0001d4aa(1027) s and future measurements, using better gamma/hadron separation, can improve the limit significantly.

Probing U(1) extensions of the MSSM at the LHC Run I and in dark matter searches

The U(1) extended supersymmetric standard model (UMSSM) can accommodate a Higgs boson at 125 GeV without relying on large corrections from the top/stop sector. After imposing LHC results on the Higgs sector, on B-physics and on new particle searches as well as dark matter constraints, we show that this model offers two viable dark matter candidates, the right-handed (RH) sneutrino or the neutralino. Limits on super-symmetric partners from LHC simplified model searches are imposed using SModelS and allow for light squarks and gluinos. Moreover the upper limit on the relic abundance often favours scenarios with long-lived particles. Searches for a Z ′ at the LHC remain the most unambiguous probes of this model. Interestingly, the D-term contributions to the sfermion masses allow to explain the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon in specific corners of the parameter space with light smuons or left-handed (LH) sneutrinos. We finally emphasize the interplay between direct searches for dark matter and LHC simplified model searches.

Dark matter, neutrino masses, and high scale validity of an inert Higgs doublet model

We consider a two-Higgs doublet scenario containing three $SU(2{)}_{L}$ singlet heavy neutrinos with Majorana masses. The second scalar doublet as well as the neutrinos are odd under a ${Z}_{2}$ symmetry. This scenario not only generates Majorana masses for the light neutrinos radiatively but also makes the lighter of the neutral ${Z}_{2}$-odd scalars an eligible dark matter candidate, in addition to triggering leptogenesis at the scale of the heavy neutrino masses. Taking two representative values of this mass scale, we identify the allowed regions of the parameter space of the model, which are consistent with all dark matter constraints. At the same time, the running of quartic couplings in the scalar potential to high scales is studied, thus subjecting the regions consistent with dark matter constraints to further requirements of vacuum stability, perturbativity and unitarity. It is found that part of the parameter space is consistent with all of these requirements all the way up to the Planck scale, and also yields the correct signal strength in the diphoton channel for the scalar observed at the Large Hadron Collider.

Dark Matter constraints on composite Higgs models

In composite Higgs models the pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone Boson (pNGB) nature of the Higgs field is an interesting alternative for explaining the smallness of the electroweak scale with respect to the beyond the Standard Model scale. In non-minimal models additional pNGB states are present and can be a Dark Matter (DM) candidate, if there is an approximate symmetry suppressing their decay. Here we assume that the low energy effective theory (for scales much below the compositeness scale) corresponds to the Standard Model with a pNGB Higgs doublet and a pNGB DM multiplet. We derive general effective DM Lagrangians for several possible DM representations (under the SM gauge group), including the singlet, doublet and triplet cases. Within this framework we discuss how the DM observables (relic abundance, direct and indirect detection) constrain the dimension-6 operators induced by the strong sector assuming that DM behaves as a Weakly Interacting Particle (WIMP) and that the relic abundance is settled through the freeze-out mechanism. We also apply our general results to two specific cosets: SO(6)/SO(5) and SO(6)/SO(4)×SO(2), which contain a singlet and doublet DM candidate, respectively. In particular we show that if compositeness is a solution to the little hierarchy problem, representations larger than the triplet are strongly disfavored. Furthermore, we find that composite models can have viable DM candidates with much smaller direct detection cross-sections than their non-composite counterparts, making DM detection much more challenging.

Dark matter in the Higgs triplet model

The inability to predict neutrino masses and the existence of dark matter are two essential shortcomings of the Standard Model. The Higgs triplet model provides an elegant resolution of neutrino masses via the seesaw mechanism. We show here that introducing vectorlike leptons in the model also provides a resolution to the problem of dark matter. We investigate constraints, including the invisible decay width of the Higgs boson and the electroweak precision variables, and impose restrictions on model parameters. We analyze the effect of the relic density constraint on the mass and Yukawa coupling of dark matter. We also calculate the cross sections for indirect and direct dark matter detection and show our model predictions for the neutrino and muon fluxes from the Sun, and the restrictions they impose on the parameter space. With the addition of vectorlike leptons, the model is completely consistent with dark matter constraints, in addition to improving electroweak precision and doubly charged mass restrictions, which are rendered consistent with present experimental data.

Constraining the Higgs-dilaton with LHC and dark matter searches

We study a scenario in which the dilaton, a pseudo-Goldstone boson of the spontaneous breaking of conformal symmetry, provides a portal between dark matter and the visible sector. We consider the low-energy description of the theory in which the dilaton mixes with the Standard Model Higgs boson, thereby predicting a second scalar at or above the weak scale. We derive the collider and dark matter constraints on the corresponding parameter space and find that existing experimental data point towards the decoupling limit in which the CFT scale is well above the electroweak scale. Moreover, the thermal production of dark matter implies its mass is likely above the TeV scale. Upcoming direct detection experiments may allow for the discovery of the dilaton-mediated thermal dark matter while future collider studies will also be sensitive to the available parameter space.

A split SUSY model from SUSY GUT

We propose to split the sparticle spectrum from the hierarchy between the GUT scale and the Planck scale. A split supersymmetric model, which gives non-universal gaugino masses, is built with proper high dimensional operators in the framework of SO(10) GUT. Based on a calculation of two-loop beta functions for gauge couplings (taking into account all weak scale threshold corrections), we check the gauge coupling unification and dark matter constraints (relic density and direct detections). We find that our scenario can achieve the gauge coupling unification and satisfy the dark matter constraints in some part of parameter space. We also examine the sensitivity of the future XENON1T experiment and find that the currently allowed parameter space in our scenario can be covered for a neutralino dark matter below about 1.0 TeV.

Exploring New Models in All Detail withSARAH

I give an overview about the features theMathematicapackageSARAHprovides to study new models. In general,SARAHcan handle a wide range of models beyond the MSSM coming with additional chiral superfields, extra gauge groups, or distinctive features like Dirac gaugino masses. All of these models can be implemented in a compact form inSARAHand are easy to use:SARAHextracts all analytical properties of the given model like two-loop renormalization group equations, tadpole equations, mass matrices, and vertices. Also one- and two-loop corrections to tadpoles and self-energies can be obtained. For numerical calculationsSARAHcan be interfaced with other tools to get the mass spectrum, to check flavour or dark matter constraints, and to test the vacuum stability or to perform collider studies. In particular, the interface toSPhenoallows a precise prediction of the Higgs mass in a given model comparable to MSSM precision by incorporating the important two-loop corrections. I show in great detail with the example of theB-L-SSM howSARAHtogether withSPheno,HiggsBounds/HiggsSignals,FlavorKit,Vevacious,CalcHep,MicrOmegas,WHIZARD, andMadGraphcan be used to study all phenomenological aspects of a model.

Connection ofg−2μ, electroweak, dark matter, and collider constraints on 331 models

In this work we compute all contributions to the muon magnetic moment stemming from several 3-3-1 models namely, minimal 331, 331 with right handed neutrinos, 331 with heavy neutral leptons, 331 with charged exotic leptons, 331 economical and 331 with two higgs triplets. Further, we exploit the complementarity among current electroweak, dark matter and collider constraints to outline the relevant parameter space of the models capable of explaining the anomaly. Lastly, assuming that the experimental anomaly has been otherwise resolved, we derive robust $1\sigma$ bounds using the current and projected measurements.

LHC and dark matter phenomenology of the NUGHM

We present a Bayesian analysis of the NUGHM, a supersymmetric scenario with non-universal gaugino masses and Higgs masses, including all the relevant experimental observables and dark matter constraints. The main merit of the NUGHM is that it essentially includes all the possibilities for dark matter (DM) candidates within the MSSM, since the neutralino and chargino spectrum -and composition- are as free as they can be in the general MSSM. We identify the most probable regions in the NUHGM parameter space, and study the associated phenomenology at the LHC and the prospects for DM direct detection. Requiring that the neutralino makes all of the DM in the Universe, we identify two preferred regions around $m_{\chi_1^0}= 1\ {\rm TeV},\; 3\ {\rm TeV}$, which correspond to the (almost) pure Higgsino and wino case. There exist other marginal regions (e.g. Higgs-funnel), but with much less statistical weight. The prospects for detection at the LHC in this case are quite pessimistic, but future direct detection experiments like LUX and XENON1T, will be able to probe this scenario. In contrast, when allowing other DM components, the prospects for detection at the LHC become more encouraging -- the most promising signals being, beside the production of gluinos and squarks, the production of the heavier chargino and neutralino states, which lead to WZ and same-sign WW final states -- and direct detection remains a complementary, and even more powerful, way to probe the scenario.

Flavored dark matter beyond Minimal Flavor Violation

We study the interplay of flavor and dark matter phenomenology for models of flavored dark matter interacting with quarks. We allow an arbitrary flavor structure in the coupling of dark matter with quarks. This coupling is assumed to be the only new source of violation of the Standard Model flavor symmetry extended by a U(3) χ associated with the dark matter. We call this ansatz Dark Minimal Flavor Violation (DMFV) and highlight its various implications, including an unbroken discrete symmetry that can stabilize the dark matter. As an illustration we study a Dirac fermionic dark matter χ which transforms as triplet under U(3) χ , and is a singlet under the Standard Model. The dark matter couples to right-handed down-type quarks via a colored scalar mediator ϕ with a coupling λ. We identify a number of “flavor-safe” scenarios for the structure of λ which are beyond Minimal Flavor Violation. For dark matter and collider phenomenology we focus on the well-motivated case of b-flavored dark matter. The combined flavor and dark matter constraints on the parameter space of λ turn out to be interesting intersections of the individual ones. LHC constraints on simplified models of squarks and sbottoms can be adapted to our case, and monojet searches can be relevant if the spectrum is compressed.

Split supersymmetry under GUT and current dark matter constraints

We recalculate the two-loop beta functions for three gauge couplings taking into account all low energy threshold corrections in split supersymmetry (split-SUSY) which assumes a very high scalar mass scale \(M_S\). We find that in split-SUSY with a gaugino mass unification assumption and with a large \(M_S\) the gauge coupling unification requires a lower bound on the gaugino mass. Combined with the constraints from the dark matter relic density and direct detection limits, we find that split-SUSY is very restricted and for dark matter mass below 1 TeV the allowed parameter space can be fully covered by XENON-1T(2017).

Dark matter versus h → γγ and h → γZ with supersymmetric triplets

The Triplet extension of the MSSM (TMSSM) alleviates the little hierarchy problem and provides a significant enhancement of the loop-induced diphoton rate of the lightest CP-even Higgs h. In this paper we pursue the analysis of the TMSSM Higgs phenomenology by computing for the first time the h into Z + gamma decay. Interestingly we find that the rates of loop-induced decays are correlated and their signal strengths can rise up to 40% - 60% depending on the channel. We furthermore study the dark matter phenomenology of the TMSSM. The lightest neutralino is a good dark matter candidate in two regions. The first one is related to the Higgs and Z resonances and the LSP is mostly Bino. The second one is achieved for a mass larger than 90 GeV and the LSP behaves as the well-tempered neutralino. An advantage of the triplet contribution is that the well-tempered neutralino can be a Bino-Triplino mixture, relieving the problem of achieving M_2 ~ M_1 in unified scenarios. The dark matter constraints strongly affect the Higgs phenomenology, reducing the potential enhancements of the diphoton and of the Z + photon channels by 20% at most. These enhancements are however larger than the MSSM ones. In the near future, complementarity of dark matter direct searches and collider experiments will be crucial to probe most of the parameter space where the neutralino is the dark matter candidate.

The 7 keV axion dark matter and the X-ray line signal

We propose a scenario where the saxion dominates the energy density of the Universe and reheats the standard model sector via the dilatonic coupling, while its axionic partner contributes to dark matter decaying into photons via the same operator in supersymmetry. Interestingly, for the axion mass ma≃7 keV and the decay constant fa≃1014–15 GeV, the recently discovered X-ray line at 3.5 keV in the XMM Newton X-ray observatory data can be explained. We discuss various cosmological aspects of the 7 keV axion dark matter such as the production of axion dark matter, the saxion decay process, hot dark matter and isocurvature constraints on the axion dark matter, and the possible baryogenesis scenarios.

KeV-mass dark matter candidates and constraints

keV-mass dark matter candidates and constraints

Low fine tuning in the MSSM with higgsino dark matter and unification constraints

We examine the issue of fine tuning in the MSSM with GUT-scale boundary conditions. We identify specific unification patterns and mass relations that can lead to a significant lowering of the fine tuning due to gauginos, scalars, and the \mu\ parameter, relative to the simplest unification conditions. We focus on a phenomenologically interesting region that is favored by the Higgs mass and the relic density where the dark matter is a nearly pure higgsino with mass given by \mu~1 TeV while the scalars and gauginos have masses in the multi-TeV regime. There, we find that the fine tuning can be reduced to the level of a few percent. Despite the gluino mass in the ballpark of 2 TeV, resulting mass spectra will be hard to explore at the LHC, but good prospects for detection come from dark matter direct detection experiments. Finally, we demonstrate with a specific example how the conditions and mass relations giving low fine tuning can originate in the context of supergravity and Grand Unified Theories.

Dark matter constraints from observations of 25 Milky Way satellite galaxies with the Fermi Large Area Telescope

The dwarf spheroidal satellite galaxies of the Milky Way are some of the most dark-matter-dominated objects known. Due to their proximity, high dark matter content, and lack of astrophysical backgrounds, dwarf spheroidal galaxies are widely considered to be among the most promising targets for the indirect detection of dark matter via gamma rays. Here we report on gamma-ray observations of 25 Milky Way dwarf spheroidal satellite galaxies based on 4 years of Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) data. None of the dwarf galaxies are significantly detected in gamma rays, and we present gamma-ray flux upper limits between 500 MeV and 500 GeV. We determine the dark matter content of 18 dwarf spheroidal galaxies from stellar kinematic data and combine LAT observations of 15 dwarf galaxies to constrain the dark matter annihilation cross section. We set some of the tightest constraints to date on the the annihilation of dark matter particles with masses between 2 GeV and 10 TeV into prototypical Standard Model channels. We find these results to be robust against systematic uncertainties in the LAT instrument performance, diffuse gamma-ray background modeling, and assumed dark matter density profile.

Erratum: Dark matter and pulsar model constraints from Galactic Center Fermi-LAT gamma-ray observations [Phys. Rev. D 88, 083521 (2013)

Erratum: Dark matter and pulsar model constraints from Galactic Center Fermi-LAT gamma-ray observations [Phys. Rev. D 88, 083521 (2013)

A no-scale supergravity framework for sub-Planckian physics

We propose a minimal model framework for physics below the Planck scale with the following features: (i) it is based on no-scale supergravity, as favoured in many string compactifications, (ii) it incorporates Starobinsky-like inflation, and hence is compatible with constraints from the Planck satellite, (iii) the inflaton may be identified with a singlet field in a see-saw model for neutrino masses, providing an efficient scenario for reheating and leptogenesis, (iv) supersymmetry breaking occurs with an arbitrary scale and a cosmological constant that vanishes before radiative corrections, (v) regions of the model parameter space are compatible with all LHC, Higgs and dark matter constraints.

Non-universal gaugino mass GUT models in the light of dark matter and LHC constraints

We perform a comprehensive study of $SU(5)$, $SO(10)$ and $E(6)$ supersymmetric GUT models where the gaugino masses are generated through the F-term breaking vacuum expectation values of the non-singlet scalar fields. In these models the gauginos are non-universal at the GUT scale unlike in the mSUGRA scenario. We discuss the properties of the LSP which is stable and a viable candidate for cold dark matter. We look for the GUT scale parameter space that leads to the the lightest SM like Higgs mass in the range of 122-127 GeV compatible with the observations at ATLAS and CMS, the relic density in the allowed range of WMAP-PLANCK and compatible with other constraints from colliders and direct detection experiments. We scan universal scalar ($m_0^G$), trilinear coupling $A_0$ and $SU(3)_C$ gaugino mass ($M_3^G$) as the independent free parameters for these models. Based on the gaugino mass ratios at the GUT scale, we classify 25 SUSY GUT models and find that of these only 13 models satisfy the dark matter and collider constraints. Out of these 13 models there is only one model where there is a sizeable SUSY contribution to muon $(g-2)$.