Dark matter and global symmetries

Abstract

General considerations in general relativity and quantum mechanics are known to potentially rule out continuous global symmetries in the context of any consistent theory of quantum gravity. Assuming the validity of such considerations, we derive stringent bounds from gamma-ray, X-ray, cosmic-ray, neutrino, and CMB data on models that invoke global symmetries to stabilize the dark matter particle. We compute up-to-date, robust model-independent limits on the dark matter lifetime for a variety of Planck-scale suppressed dimension-five effective operators. We then specialize our analysis and apply our bounds to specific models including the Two-Higgs-Doublet, Left-Right, Singlet Fermionic, Zee-Babu, 3-3-1 and Radiative See-Saw models. Assuming that (i) global symmetries are broken at the Planck scale, that (ii) the non-renormalizable operators mediating dark matter decay have O(1) couplings, that (iii) the dark matter is a singlet field, and that (iv) the dark matter density distribution is well described by a NFW profile, we are able to rule out fermionic, vector, and scalar dark matter candidates across a broad mass range (keV-TeV), including the WIMP regime.

General constraints on dark matter decay from the cosmic microwave background

“…For long-lifetime decaying DM, there are stringent constraints on the decay lifetime from a wide range of indirect searches (e.g. [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]). In general, these constraints are considerably stronger than our limits, probing lifetimes as long as 10 27−28 s. The exception is for MeV − GeV DM decaying to e + e − pairs; these pairs are difficult to detect directly.…”

The waning of the WIMP? A review of models, searches, and constraints

“…(iv) The DM particle must be cosmologically stable since its presence is ascertained today, implying that its lifetime is larger than the age of the Universe. Under certain assumptions, much stronger limits are applicable conservatively requiring a lifetime order of magnitude larger can be derived [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. (v) Cluster collisions, such as the Bullet Cluster [17], constrain the level of self-interactions that DM particles can have (see however, Refs.…”

Dark matter physics in neutrino specific two Higgs doublet model

“…In such a case we would have a Planck suppressed effective operatorψH † ( / DL) which breaks the Z 2 symmetry from global U(1) X in our model inducing instability of DM candidate [3]. Then the lifetime of ψ becomes too short to be dominant component of DM for m ψ O(0.1) GeV if the global U(1) X breaking operator is not suppressed by very small dimensionless coupling.…”