Spin-independent Scattering Cross Section Research Articles

A study on vector mediator top-philic dark matter

We conducted a study on a simplified dark matter model that introduces a vector-like intermediate particle, facilitating exclusive interactions between dark matter and the top quark in the Standard Model. The analysis focused on the relic density of Dirac-type fermion dark matter and highlighted the complementary role of direct detection in constraining the dark matter model. Notably, in instances when dark matter mass is small, the tree-level two-body annihilation process experiences suppression. In such scenarios, the contributions of the three-body process ( χχ¯→tb¯W− ) and the one-loop process ( χχ¯→gg ) dominate the relic abundance. With regard to direct detection, calculations were performed for the two-loop contribution to the dark-matter–gluon interaction, yielding the corresponding spin-independent scattering cross section.

Milky Way white dwarfs as sub-GeV to multi-TeV dark matter detectors

We show that Milky Way white dwarfs are excellent targets for dark matter (DM) detection. Using Fermi and H.E.S.S. Galactic center gamma-ray data, we investigate sensitivity to DM annihilating within white dwarfs into long-lived or boosted mediators and producing detectable gamma rays. Depending on the Galactic DM distribution, we set new constraints on the spin-independent scattering cross section down to 10-45-10-41 cm2 in the sub-GeV DM mass range, which is multiple orders of magnitude stronger than existing limits. For a generalized NFW DM profile, we find that our white dwarf constraints exceed spin-independent direct detection limits across most of the sub-GeV to multi-TeV DM mass range, achieving sensitivities as low as about 10-46 cm2. In addition, we improve earlier versions of the DM capture calculation in white dwarfs, by including the low-temperature distribution of nuclei when the white dwarf approaches crystallization. This yields smaller capture rates than previously calculated by a factor of a few up to two orders of magnitude, depending on white dwarf size and the astrophysical system.

Exploring freeze-out and freeze-in dark matter via effective Froggatt-Nielsen theory

Motivated by the dynamical reasons for the hierarchical structure of the Yukawa sector of the Standard Model (SM), we consider an extension of the SM with a complex scalar field, known as `flavon', based on the Froggatt-Nielsen mechanism. In an effective theory approach, the SM fermion masses and mixing patterns are generated in orders of the parameter related to the vacuum expectation value of the flavon field and the cut-off of the effective theory. By introducing right-handed neutrinos, we study the viability of the lightest right-handed neutrino as a dark matter candidate, where the same flavon field acts as a mediator between the dark and the SM sectors. We find that dark matter genesis is achieved both through freeze-out and freeze-in mechanisms encompassing the 𝒪(GeV) – 𝒪(TeV) mass range of the mediator and the dark matter particle. In addition to tree-level spin-dependent cross section, the model gives rise to tree- and loop-level contributions to spin-independent scattering cross section at the direct detection experiments such as XENON and LUX-ZEPLIN which can be probed in their future upgrades. By choosing suitable Froggatt-Nielsen charges for the fermions, we also generate the mass spectrum of the SM neutrinos via the Type-I seesaw mechanism. Flavor-changing neutral current processes, such as radiative lepton decay, meson mixing, and top-quark decay remain the most constraining channels and provide testability for this minimal setup that addresses several major shortcomings of the SM.

Dark matter and neutrinos in Left-Right Mirror Model with Z2 symmetry

We discussed the feasibility of including dark matter in the Left-Right Mirror Model with an additional discrete Z2 symmetry. The Z2 symmetry helps to prevent any decay of the possible dark matter candidate, that is, guarantees the stability of the dark matter. The dark matter candidate is proposed as the lightest mirror neutrino. This Z2 discrete symmetry not only guarantees the stability of the dark matter but also controls the free parameters of the model such that they are significantly reduced. Then, mass spectrum of neutrinos is also discussed in two possible scenarios obtained by assigning charge under Z2 symmetry. For one of the scenarios we obtain the relic density for the dark matter candidate and the spin independent scattering cross section between dark matter and proton (neutron).

Constraining the 3−3−1 model with heavy neutral leptons using (g−2)μ and dark matter observables

We find constraints on the highest scale of symmetry breaking of a model with gauge symmetry $SU(3)_C \otimes SU(3)_L \otimes U(1)_X$ with heavy neutral leptons in the fermion triplets, calculating the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon and using results of the relic abundance of dark matter and experiments searching for its direct detection. In order to do this, we have calculated the one-loop contribution of new particles in the model to $(g-2)_{\mu}$, finding a favoured region for the scale at which $SU(3)_L$ is broken, and we have found lower bounds for this scale making a comparison of the predictions for the detection of a fermion dark matter candidate in the model in terms of simplified dark matter models, identifying the dominant portal for its interactions with standard model particles, and using constraints for the relic abundance and spin-independent scattering cross section of the fermion candidate with protons.

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.

Search for dark matter signatures in the gamma-ray emission towards the Sun with the Fermi Large Area Telescope

Dark matter particles from the Galactic halo can be gravitationally trapped in the solar core or in external orbits. The enhanced density of dark matter particles either in the solar core or in external orbits can result in the annihilation of these particles producing gamma rays via long-lived intermediate states or directly outside the Sun, respectively. These processes would yield characteristic features in the energy spectrum of the subsequent gamma rays, i.e., a box-like or line-like shaped feature, respectively. We have performed a dedicated analysis using a 10-years sample of gamma-ray events from the Sun collected by the Fermi Large Area Telescope searching for spectral features in the energy spectrum as a signature of dark matter annihilation. In the scenario of gamma-ray production via long-lived mediators we have also evaluated the dark matter-nucleon spin-dependent and spin-independent scattering cross section constraints from the flux limits in a dark matter mass range from 3 GeV/c$^2$ up to about 1.8 TeV/c$^2$. In the mass range up to about 150 GeV/c$^2$ the limits are in the range $10^{-46} - 10^{-45}$ cm$^{2}$ for the spin-dependent scattering and in the range $10^{-48} - 10^{-47}$ cm$^{2}$ for the spin-independent case. The range of variation depends on the decay length of the mediator.

New era of dark matter particle detection

The astronomical evidence of the existence of dark matter is overwhelming. However, the physical nature of dark matter is still unknown. It is widely believed that dark matter is some kind of new particles beyond the standard model of particle physics. Alternative candidates include the massive compact halo objects such as primordial black holes. Among all these candidates, the class of so-called weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) is the most natural and well theoretically motivated one. The WIMP scenario can naturally explain the abundance of dark matter in the universe via a canonical thermal production mechanism. It also gives a practical way of detecting those particles via various kinds of particle physics experiments. The direct detection method measures the momentum exchange when a dark matter particle scatters off a nucleus. The sensitivities of direct detection increase remarkably during the past 30 years since it was first proposed in the 1980s. China has operated two direct detection experiments, the CDEX and PandaX experiments, in the Jinping underground laboratory. Through the efforts of all the direct detection experiments, including CDEX and PandaX, the current upper limit about the spin-independent scattering cross section between the dark matter particle and the nucleon reaches the level of 10⁻⁴⁷ cm² which is only about two orders of magnitude higher than the neutrino-induced background. Although no convincing signal has been detected yet, such null results can constrain severely many kinds of theoretical models of dark matter. Several experiments are upgrading now, with the goal of a fiducial detector mass of several tons, which are expected to further improve the direct detection sensitivities. The indirect detection method is to search for the annihilation or decay products of dark matter in cosmic rays and gamma-rays, which is complimentary to the direct detection. The main indirect detection experiments in operation include the alpha magnetic spectrometer and the calorimeter electron telescope on the International Space Station, the Fermi gamma-ray space telescope, and China’s dark matter particle explorer. Several anomalies have been reported by the indirect detection experiments, such as the positron excess, the excess of the total electron plus positron spectrum, the gamma-ray excess in the Galactic center region. Interpretations of these excesses are still in debate. Nevertheless, these anomalies offer us targets for further investigation with increased statistics and improved understanding of the astrophysical backgrounds. Both the direct detection and indirect detection experiments will have significantly upgrading in the coming years. Particularly, China’s PandaX experiment is currently building a 4-ton scale detector which is expected to start to operate in 2021. The long-term plan of the CDEX experiment is also a ton-scale detector for multi-purpose studies including the dark matter searches. For the indirect detection, the HERD payload onboard the Chinese Space Station is in the prototype phase, and the next generation very large area gamma-ray space telescope is under design. On the ground we are building the large high-altitude air shower observatory for high-sensitivity sky survey in the very high energy gamma-ray band. All these efforts will make China play a significant or even leading role in the campaign of dark matter detection. We are looking forward to the breakthroughs in the exploration of the nature of dark matter.

Extending light WIMP searches to single scintillation photons in LUX

We present a novel analysis technique for liquid xenon time projection chambers that allows for a lower threshold by relying on events with a prompt scintillation signal consisting of single detected photons. The energy threshold of the LUX dark matter experiment is primarily determined by the smallest scintillation response detectable, which previously required a twofold coincidence signal in its photomultiplier arrays, enforced in data analysis. The technique presented here exploits the double photoelectron emission effect observed in some photomultiplier models at vacuum ultraviolet wavelengths. We demonstrate this analysis using an electron recoil calibration dataset and place new constraints on the spin-independent scattering cross section of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) down to 2.5 GeV/c2 WIMP mass using the 2013 LUX dataset. This new technique is promising to enhance light WIMP and astrophysical neutrino searches in next-generation liquid xenon experiments.2 MoreReceived 23 July 2019Accepted 24 December 2019DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.101.042001© 2020 American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasDark matterParticle dark matterWeakly interacting massive particlesTechniquesDark matter detectorsParticles & FieldsGravitation, Cosmology & Astrophysics

A two Higgs doublet model for dark matter and neutrino masses

Motivated by the interesting features of Two Higgs Doublet Models (2HDM) we present a 2HDM extension where the stability of dark matter, neutrino masses and the absence of flavor changing interactions are explained by promoting baryon and lepton number to gauge symmetries. Neutrino masses are addressed within the usual type I seesaw mechanism. A vector-like fermion acts as dark matter and it interacts with Standard Model particles via the kinetic and mass mixings between the neutral gauge bosons. We compute the relevant observables such as the dark matter relic density and spin-independent scattering cross section to outline the region of parameter space that obeys current and projected limits from collider and direct detection experiments via thermal and non-thermal dark matter production.

Leading loop effects in pseudoscalar-Higgs portal dark matter

We examine a model with a fermionic dark matter candidate having pseudoscalar interaction with the standard model particles where its direct detection elastic scattering cross section at tree level is highly suppressed. We then calculate analytically the leading loop contribution to the spin independent scattering cross section. It turns out that these loop effects are sizable over a large region of the parameter space. Taking constraints from direct detection experiments, the invisible Higgs decay measurements, observed DM relic density, we find viable regions which are within reach in the future direct detection experiments such as XENONnT.

XENON1T takes a razor to a dark E6-inspired model

Motivated by the recent result of XENON1T collaboration with full exposure, 279 life days, that sets the most stringent limit on the spin-independent dark matter-nucleon scattering cross section we discuss a dark E6-inspired model that features the presence of a U(1)d−u gauge symmetry. The dark matter candidate is a Dirac fermion that interacts with Standard Model fermions via a massive Z′ that preserves the quantum number assignments of this symmetry. We compute the spin-independent scattering cross section off xenon nucleus and compare with the XENON1T limit; find the LHC bound on the Z′ mass as well as the projection sensitivity of high-energy and luminosity LHC; and derive the Fermi-LAT bounds on the dark matter annihilation cross section based on the observation of gamma-rays in the direction of Dwarf Spheroidal galaxies. We exploit the complementarity between these datasets to conclude that the new bound from XENON1T severely constrain the model, which combined with the LHC upgrade sensitivity rules out this WIMP realization setup below 5 TeV.

Loop effects in direct detection

We consider loop level contributions to dark matter— nucleon scattering in cases where the spin independent scattering cross section is absent or suppressed at tree level. In the case of a pseudoscalar interaction, for which the tree level cross section is both spin-dependent and suppressed by 4 powers of the exchanged momentum, loop diagrams give rise to a non-zero spin independent cross section. We show that if the pseudoscalar interaction is formulated using a gauge invariant framework, loop effects generate an effective χ̄χ h vertex and result in a scattering cross section that is within reach of current or forthcoming experiments. We also consider the case of inelastic dark matter, for which the dominant interaction terms have an off diagonal χ1−χ2 structure. In this case, the tree-level direct detection cross section is negligible when the inelastic χ1 N → χ2 N process is kinematically suppressed. However, loop diagrams generate a diagonal χ1−χ1 interaction and hence permit measurable, spin independent, χ1 N → χ1 N elastic scattering. As such, we are able to probe parameter space that was previously considered inaccessible to direct detection.

Uncertainties in WIMP dark matter scattering revisited

We revisit the uncertainties in the calculation of spin-independent scattering matrix elements for the scattering of WIMP dark matter particles on nuclear matter. In addition to discussing the uncertainties due to limitations in our knowledge of the nucleonic matrix elements of the light quark scalar densities langle N |{{{bar{u}}}} u, {{{bar{d}}}} d, {{{bar{s}}}} s| N rangle , we also discuss the importances of heavy quark scalar densities langle N |{{{bar{c}}}} c, {{{bar{b}}}} b, {{{bar{t}}}} t| N rangle , and comment on uncertainties in quark mass ratios. We analyze estimates of the light-quark densities made over the past decade using lattice calculations and/or phenomenological inputs. We find an uncertainty in the combination langle N |{{{bar{u}}}} u + {{{bar{d}}}} d | N rangle that is larger than has been assumed in some phenomenological analyses, and a range of langle N |{{{bar{s}}}} s| N rangle that is smaller but compatible with earlier estimates. We also analyze the importance of the {{{mathcal {O}}}}(alpha _s^3) calculations of the heavy-quark matrix elements that are now available, which provide an important refinement of the calculation of the spin-independent scattering cross section. We use for illustration a benchmark CMSSM point in the focus-point region that is compatible with the limits from LHC and other searches.

Empirical Determination of Dark Matter Velocities Using Metal-Poor Stars.

The MilkyWay dark matter halo is formed from the accretion of smaller subhalos. These sub-units also harbor stars-typically old and metal-poor-that are deposited in the Galactic inner regions by disruption events. In this Letter, we show that the dark matter and metal-poor stars in the Solar neighborhood share similar kinematics due to their common origin. Using the high-resolution eris simulation, which traces the evolution of both the dark matter and baryons in a realistic MilkyWay analog galaxy, we demonstrate that metal-poor stars are indeed effective tracers for the local, virialized dark matter velocity distribution. The local dark matter velocities can therefore be inferred from observations of the stellar halo made by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey within 4kpc of the Sun. This empirical distribution differs from the standard halo model in important ways and suggests that the bounds on the spin-independent scattering cross section may be weakened for dark matter masses below ∼10 GeV. Data from Gaia will allow us to further refine the expected distribution for the smooth dark matter component, and to test for the presence of local substructure.

Closing the window on ∼GeV Dark Matter with moderate (∼μb) interaction with nucleons

We improve limits on the spin-independent scattering cross section of Dark Matter on nucleons, for DM in the 300 MeV–100 GeV mass range, based on the DAMIC and XQC experiments. Our results close the window which previously existed in 1–8 GeV mass range, for a DM-nucleon cross section of order ∼ μb, assuming the standard velocity distribution.

Blind Spots for Direct Detection with Simplified DM Models and the LHC

Using the existing simplified model framework, we build several dark matter models which have suppressed spin-independent scattering cross section. We show that the scattering cross section can vanish due to interference effects with models obtained by simple combinations of simplified models. For weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) masses $\gtrsim$10 GeV, collider limits are usually much weaker than the direct detection limits coming from LUX or XENON100. However, for our model combinations, LHC analyses are more competitive for some parts of the parameter space. The regions with direct detection blind spots can be strongly constrained from the complementary use of several Large Hadron Collider (LHC) searches like mono-jet, jets + missing transverse energy, heavy vector resonance searches, etc. We evaluate the strongest limits for combinations of scalar + vector, "squark" + vector, and scalar + "squark" mediator, and present the LHC 14 TeV projections.

Constraints on the CP-Violating MSSM

We discuss the prospects for observing CP violation in the MSSM with six CP-violating phases, using a geometric approach to maximise CP-violating observables subject to the experimental upper bounds on electric dipole moments. We consider constraints from Higgs physics, flavour physics, the dark matter relic density and spin-independent scattering cross section with matter.

Less-simplified models of dark matter for direct detection and the LHC

We construct models of dark matter with suppressed spin-independent scattering cross section utilizing the existing simplified model framework. Even simple combinations of simplified models can exhibit interference effects that cause the tree level contribution to the scattering cross section to vanish, thus demonstrating that direct detection limits on simplified models are not robust when embedded in a more complicated and realistic framework. In general for fermionic WIMP masses >10 GeV direct detection limits on the spin-independent scattering cross section are much stronger than those coming from the LHC. However these model combinations, which we call less-simplified models, represent situations where LHC searches become more competitive than direct detection experiments even for moderate dark matter mass. We show that a complementary use of several searches at the LHC can strongly constrain the direct detection blind spots by setting limits on the coupling constants and mediators' mass. We derive the strongest limits for combinations of vector + scalar, vector + "squark", and "squark" + scalar mediator, and present the corresponding projections for the LHC 14 TeV for a number of searches: mono-jet, jets + missing energy, and searches for heavy vector resonances.

Two-loop neutrino model with exotic leptons

We propose a two-loop induced neutrino mass model, in which we show some bench mark points to satisfy the observed neutrino oscillation, the constraints of lepton flavor violations, and the relic density in the co-annihilation system satisfying the current upper bound on the spin independent scattering cross section with nuclei. We also discuss new sources of muon anomalous magnetic moment.