Search For Dark Matter Particles Research Articles

Search for dark matter particles in W+W− events with transverse momentum imbalance in proton-proton collisions at s\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\sqrt{s} $$\\end{document} = 13 TeV

A search for dark matter particles is performed using events with a pair of W bosons and large missing transverse momentum. Candidate events are selected by requiring one or two leptons (ℓ = electrons or muons). The analysis is based on proton-proton collision data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the CMS experiment at the LHC and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb−1. No significant excess over the expected standard model background is observed in the ℓνqq and 2ℓ2ν final states of the W+W− boson pair. Limits are set on dark matter production in the context of a simplified dark Higgs model, with a dark Higgs boson mass above the W+W− mass threshold. The dark matter phase space is probed in the mass range 100–300 GeV, extending the scope of previous searches. Current exclusion limits are improved in the range of dark Higgs masses from 160 to 250 GeV, for a dark matter mass of 200 GeV.

Dual-phase xenon time projection chambers forrare-event searches.

In the past decade, dual-phase xenon time projection chambers (Xe-TPCs) have emerged as some of the most powerful detectors in the fields of astroparticle physics and rare-event searches. Developed primarily towards the direct detection of dark matter particles, experiments presently operating deep underground have reached target masses at the multi-tonne scale, energy thresholds of approximately 1 keV and radioactivity-induced background rates similar to those from solar neutrinos. These unique properties, together with demonstrated stable operation over several years, allow for the exploration of new territory via high-sensitivity searches for a plethora of ultra-rare interactions. These include searches for particle dark matter, for second-order weak decays, and the observation of astrophysical neutrinos. We first review some properties of xenon as a radiation detection medium and the operation principles of dual-phase Xe-TPCs together with their energy calibration and resolution. We then discuss the status of currently running experiments and of proposed next-generation projects, describing some of the technological challenges. We end by looking at their sensitivity to dark matter candidates, to second-order weak decays and to solar and supernova neutrinos. Experiments based on dual-phase Xe-TPCs are difficult and, like all good experiments, they are constantly pushed to their limits. Together with many other endeavours in astroparticle physics and cosmology they will continue to push at the borders of the unknown, hopefully to reveal profound new knowledge about our cosmos. This article is part of the theme issue 'The particle-gravity frontier'.

Search for dark matter produced in association with a dark Higgs boson decaying into W+W− in the one-lepton final state at sqrt{s} = 13 TeV using 139 fb−1 of pp collisions recorded with the ATLAS detector

Several extensions of the Standard Model predict the production of dark matter particles at the LHC. A search for dark matter particles produced in association with a dark Higgs boson decaying into W+W− in the {ell}^{pm}nu q{overline{q}}^{prime }, final states with ℓ = e, μ is presented. This analysis uses 139 fb−1 of pp collisions recorded by the ATLAS detector at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The W± → qoverline{q^{prime }} decays are reconstructed from pairs of calorimeter-measured jets or from track-assisted reclustered jets, a technique aimed at resolving the dense topology from a pair of boosted quarks using jets in the calorimeter and tracking information. The observed data are found to agree with Standard Model predictions. Scenarios with dark Higgs boson masses ranging between 140 and 390 GeV are excluded.

Suppression of accidental backgrounds with deep neural networks in the PandaX-II experiment

The PandaX dark matter detection project searches for dark matter particles using the technology of dual phase xenon time projection chamber. The low expected rate of the signal events makes the control of backgrounds crucial for the experiment success. In addition to reducing external and internal backgrounds during the construction and operation of the detector, special techniques are employed to suppress the background events during the data analysis. In this article, we demonstrate the use of deep neural networks (DNNs) for suppressing the accidental backgrounds, as an alternative to the boosted-decision-tree method used in previous analysis of PandaX-II. A new data preparation approach is proposed to enhance the stability of the machine learning algorithms to be run and ultimately the sensitivity of the final data analysis.

Search for Dark Matter Particle Interactions with Electron Final States with DarkSide-50.

We present a search for dark matter particles with sub-GeV/c^{2} masses whose interactions have final state electrons using the DarkSide-50 experiment's (12 306±184) kg d low-radioactivity liquid argon exposure. By analyzing the ionization signals, we exclude new parameter space for the dark matter-electron cross section σ[over ¯]_{e}, the axioelectric coupling constant g_{Ae}, and the dark photon kinetic mixing parameter κ. We also set the first dark matter direct-detection constraints on the mixing angle |U_{e4}|^{2} for keV/c^{2} sterile neutrinos.

NaI(Tl) crystal scintillator encapsulated in two organic-scintillator layers with pulse shape data analysis

Thallium-doped sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) crystals are widely used in radiation detection applications, from gamma-ray spectroscopy to particle dark matter searches. However, if the crystal is exposed to relative humidity of even a few percent, its light emission degrades, making the crystal impractical as a detector. Surrounding the crystal with organic scintillators not only protects the surface of the crystal from humid air but also offers a new capability to tag backgrounds such as external gamma rays and surface contaminations. We developed a detector that is constructed by fully encasing a NaI(Tl) crystal in a plastic scintillator and then immersing the plastic-crystal assembly in liquid scintillator. Using data collected from this triple phoswich detector, a pulse shape analysis is able to identify the various radiation signals from the three scintillators. Additionally, we find that the crystal's emission quality is maintained for a month.

COHERENT constraint on leptophobic dark matter using CsI data

We use data from the COHERENT CsI[Na] scintillation detector to constrain sub-GeV leptophobic dark matter models. This detector was built to observe low-energy nuclear recoils from coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering. These capabilities enable searches for dark matter particles produced at the Spallation Neutron Source mediated by a vector portal particle with masses between 2 and 400 MeV/c2. No evidence for dark matter is observed and a limit on the mediator coupling to quarks is placed. This constraint improves upon previous results by two orders of magnitude. This newly explored parameter space probes the region where the dark matter relic abundance is explained by leptophobic dark matter when the mediator mass is roughly twice the dark matter mass. COHERENT sets the best constraint on leptophobic dark matter at these masses.Received 26 May 2022Accepted 30 August 2022DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.106.052004Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI. Funded by SCOAP3.Published by the American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasParticle dark matterParticles & Fields

Dark Matter Searches Using NaI(Tl) at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory: Past, Present and Future

Sodium Iodide Thallium doped (NaI(Tl)) scintillation detectors have been applied to the direct searches for dark matter since the 1980s and have produced one of the most challenging results in the field—the observation by the DAMA/LIBRA collaboration of an annual modulation in the detection rate for more than twenty cycles. This result is very difficult to reconcile with negative results derived from other experiments using a large variety of target materials and detection techniques. However, it has been neither confirmed nor refuted in a model independent way up to the present. Such a model independent test of the DAMA/LIBRA result is the goal of the ANAIS-112 experiment, presently in the data taking phase at the Canfranc Underground Laboratory in Spain. ANAIS-112 design and operation leans on the expertise acquired at the University of Zaragoza in direct searches for Dark Matter particles using different targets and techniques and in particular using NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors for about thirty years, which are reviewed in the first section of this manuscript. In addition to presenting the status and more recent results of the ANAIS-112 experiment, open research lines, continuing this effort, will be presented.

Search for dark matter in events with missing transverse momentum and a Higgs boson decaying into two photons in pp collisions at sqrt{s} = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector

A search for dark-matter particles in events with large missing transverse momentum and a Higgs boson candidate decaying into two photons is reported. The search uses 139 fb−1 of proton-proton collision data collected at sqrt{s} = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the CERN LHC between 2015 and 2018. No significant excess of events over the Standard Model predictions is observed. The results are interpreted by extracting limits on three simplified models that include either vector or pseudoscalar mediators and predict a final state with a pair of dark-matter candidates and a Higgs boson decaying into two photons.

Searching for dark matter particles using Compton scattering * *Supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (11875191, 11775140) and the Strategic Priority Research Program (CAS XDB1602)

The dark matter puzzle is one of the most important fundamental physics questions in the 21st century. There is no doubt that solving the puzzle will be a new milestone for human beings in achieving a deeper understanding of nature. Herein, we propose the use of the Shanghai laser electron gamma source (SLEGS) to search for dark matter candidate particles, including dark pseudoscalar particles, dark scalar particles, and dark photons. Our simulations indicate that, with some upgrading, electron facilities such as SLEGS could be competitive platforms in the search for light dark matter particles with a mass below tens of keV.

Searches for New Physics in the Dilepton Channel with the CMS Detector at the Large Hadron Collider

Results of searches for signals from new physics beyond the Standard Model in proton–proton collisions at the c.m. energy of $$\sqrt{s}=13$$ TeV are surveyed. Dilepton-production events detected by the CMS experiment during Run 2 of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) are used in these searches. The total amount of the data under analysis corresponds to an integrated luminosity of up to 140 fb $${}^{-1}$$ . The results in question were interpreted within models of an extended gauge sector, scenarios of low-energy gravity, and in the context of searches for dark-matter particles. The results of searches for the rare Higgs boson decay to two muons are also discussed.

Non-Detection of Dark Matter Particles: A Case for Alternate Theories of Gravity

While there is overwhelming evidence for dark matter (DM) in galaxies and galaxy clusters, all searches for DM particles have so far proved negative. It is not even clear whether only one particle is involved or a combination of particles, their masses not precisely predicted. This non-detectability raises the possible relevance of modified gravity theories: MOND, MONG, etc. Here we consider a specific modification of Newtonian gravity (MONG) which involves gravitational self-energy, leading to modified equations whose solutions imply flat rotation curves and limitations of sizes of clusters. The results are consistent with current observations including that involving large spirals. This modification could also explain the current Hubble tension. We also consider the effects of dark energy (DE) in terms of a cosmological constant.

Search for dark matter produced in association with a leptonically decaying {mathrm{Z}} boson in proton\u2013proton collisions at sqrt{s}=13,text {Te}text {V}

A search for dark matter particles is performed using events with a Z boson candidate and large missing transverse momentum. The analysis is based on proton–proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13,text {Te}text {V}, collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016–2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137,text {fb}^{-1}. The search uses the decay channels {mathrm{Z}} rightarrow {mathrm{e}} {mathrm{e}} and {mathrm{Z}} rightarrow {{upmu }{}{}} {{upmu }{}{}} . No significant excess of events is observed over the background expected from the standard model. Limits are set on dark matter particle production in the context of simplified models with vector, axial-vector, scalar, and pseudoscalar mediators, as well as on a two-Higgs-doublet model with an additional pseudoscalar mediator. In addition, limits are provided for spin-dependent and spin-independent scattering cross sections and are compared to those from direct-detection experiments. The results are also interpreted in the context of models of invisible Higgs boson decays, unparticles, and large extra dimensions.

Simulating hard photon production with Whizard

One of the important goals of the proposed future hbox {e}^{+}hbox {e}^{-} collider experiments is the search for dark matter particles using different experimental approaches. The most general search approach is based on the mono-photon signature, which is expected when production of the invisible final state is accompanied by a hard photon from initial state radiation. Analysis of the energy spectrum and angular distributions of those photons can shed light on the nature of dark matter and its interactions. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to simulate the signal and background samples in a uniform framework, to avoid possible systematic biases. The Whizard program is a flexible tool, which is widely used by hbox {e}^{+}hbox {e}^{-} collaborations for simulation of many different “new physics” scenarios. We propose the procedure of merging the matrix element calculations with the lepton ISR structure function implemented in Whizard. It allows us to reliably simulate the mono-photon events, including the two main Standard Model background processes: radiative neutrino pair production and radiative Bhabha scattering. We demonstrate that cross sections and kinematic distributions of mono-photon in neutrino pair-production events agree with corresponding predictions of the mathcal{KK} MC, a Monte Carlo generator providing perturbative predictions for SM and QED processes, which has been widely used in the analysis of LEP data.

Search for dark matter particles produced in association with a Higgs boson in proton-proton collisions at sqrt{mathrm{s}} = 13 TeV

A search for dark matter (DM) particles is performed using events with a Higgs boson candidate and large missing transverse momentum. The analysis is based on proton- proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC in 2016, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb−1. The search is performed in five Higgs boson decay channels: mathrm{h}to mathrm{b}overline{mathrm{b}} , γγ, τ+τ−, W+W−, and ZZ. The results from the individual channels are combined to maximize the sensitivity of the analysis. No significant excess over the expected standard model background is observed in any of the five channels or in their combination. Limits are set on DM production in the context of two simplified models. The results are also interpreted in terms of a spin-independent DM-nucleon scattering cross section and compared to those from direct-detection DM experiments. This is the first search for DM particles produced in association with a Higgs boson decaying to a pair of W or Z bosons, and the first statistical combination based on five Higgs boson decay channels.

Fermion dark matter and radiative neutrino masses from spontaneous lepton number breaking

In this paper, we study the viability of having a fermion Dark Matter particle below the TeV mass scale in connection to the neutrino mass generation mechanism. The simplest realisation is achieved within the scotogenic model where neutrino masses are generated at the 1-loop level. Hence, we consider the case where the dark matter particle is the lightest -odd Majorana fermion running in the neutrino mass loop. We assume that lepton number is broken dynamically due to a lepton number carrier scalar singlet which acquires a non-zero vacuum expectation value. In the present scenario the Dark Matter particles can annihilate via t- and s-channels. The latter arises from the mixing between the new scalar singlet and the Higgs doublet. We identify three different Dark Matter mass regions below 1 TeV that can account for the right amount of dark matter abundance in agreement with current experimental constraints. We compute the Dark Matter-nucleon spin-independent scattering cross-section and find that the model predicts spin-independent cross-sections ‘naturally’ dwelling below the current limit on direct detection searches of Dark Matter particles reported by XENON1T.

Dark matter distribution in the Galactic dwarf spheroidal galaxies

The Galactic dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies are excellent laboratories to shed light on fundamental properties of dark matter. In particular, the dSphs are promising targets for the indirect searches for particle dark matter. In order to set robust constraints on properties of dark matter particles, revealing dark matter distributions in these galaxies is of crucial importance. However, there are various non-negligible systematic uncertainties on the estimate of dark matter distributions in these galaxies. Therefore, it is necessary to address the development of dynamical models considering the effects of these systematic uncertainties. In this talk, we will introduce our constructed dynamical models taking into account these uncertainties and present the inferred dark matter profiles in the classical dSphs using their current kinematic data. In addition, as an intriguing result, we will show that some of dSphs favor cusped dark halo rather than cored one even considering a mass-anisotropy degeneracy. Using these dark matter profiles, we will revisit the core-cusp problem and discuss a possible link between the inner slope of their dark halos and the star formation history.

First results on low-mass dark matter from the CRESST-III experiment

The CRESST experiment (Cryogenic Rare Even Search with Superconducting Thermometers), located at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy, searches for dark matter particles via their elastic scattering off nuclei in a target material. The CRESST target consists of scintillating CaWO4 crystals, which are operated as cryogenic calorimeters at millikelvin temperatures. Each interaction in the CaWO4 target crystal produces a phonon signal and a light signal that is measured by a second cryogenic calorimeter. Since the CRESST-II result in 2015, the experiment is leading the field of direct dark matter search for dark matter masses below 1.7 GeV/c2, extending the reach of direct searches to the sub-GeV/c2 mass region. For CRESST-III, whose Phase 1 started in July 2016, detectors have been optimized to reach the performance required to further probe the low-mass region with unprecedented sensitivity. In this contribution the achievements of the CRESST-III detectors will be discussed together with preliminary results and perspectives of Phase 1.

Search for Light Dark Matter Interactions Enhanced by the Migdal Effect or Bremsstrahlung in XENON1T.

Direct dark matter detection experiments based on a liquid xenon target are leading the search for dark matter particles with masses above ∼5 GeV/c^{2}, but have limited sensitivity to lighter masses because of the small momentum transfer in dark matter-nucleus elastic scattering. However, there is an irreducible contribution from inelastic processes accompanying the elastic scattering, which leads to the excitation and ionization of the recoiling atom (the Migdal effect) or the emission of a bremsstrahlung photon. In this Letter, we report on a probe of low-mass dark matter with masses down to about 85 MeV/c^{2} by looking for electronic recoils induced by the Migdal effect and bremsstrahlung using data from the XENON1T experiment. Besides the approach of detecting both scintillation and ionization signals, we exploit an approach that uses ionization signals only, which allows for a lower detection threshold. This analysis significantly enhances the sensitivity of XENON1T to light dark matter previously beyond its reach.

Constraints on dark matter annihilation in dwarf spheroidal galaxies from low frequency radio observations

We present the first observational limits on the predicted synchrotron signals from particle Dark Matter annihilation models in dwarf spheroidal galaxies at radio frequencies below 1 GHz. We use a combination of survey data from the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) and the Giant Metre-wave Radio Telescope (GMRT) to search for diffuse radio emission from 14 dwarf spheroidal galaxies. For in-situ magnetic fields of 1 $\mu G$ and any plausible value for the diffusion coefficient, our limits do not constrain any Dark Matter models. However, for stronger magnetic fields our data might provide constraints comparable to existing limits from gamma-ray and cosmic ray observations. Predictions for the sensitivity of the upgraded MWA show that models with Dark Matter particle mass up to $\sim$ 1.6 TeV (1 TeV) may be constrained for magnetic field of 2 $\mu G$ (1 $\mu G$). While much deeper limits from the future low frequency Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will challenge the LHC in searches for Dark Matter particles, the MWA provides a valuable first step toward the SKA at low frequencies.