Detecting Boosted Dark Matter from the Sun with Large Volume Neutrino Detectors

Abstract

We study novel scenarios where thermal dark matter (DM) can be efficiently captured in the Sun and annihilate into boosted dark matter. In models with semi-annihilating DM, where DM has a non-minimal stabilization symmetry, or in models with a multi-component DM sector, annihilations of DM can give rise to stable dark sector particles with moderate Lorentz boosts. We investigate both of these possibilities, presenting concrete models as proofs of concept. Both scenarios can yield viable thermal relic DM with masses O(1)-O(100) GeV. Taking advantage of the energetic proton recoils that arise when the boosted DM scatters off matter, we propose a detection strategy which uses large volume terrestrial detectors, such as those designed to detect neutrinos or proton decays. In particular, we propose a search for proton tracks pointing towards the Sun. We focus on signals at Cherenkov-radiation-based detectors such as Super-Kamiokande (SK) and its upgrade Hyper-Kamiokande (HK). We find that with spin-dependent scattering as the dominant DM-nucleus interaction at low energies, boosted DM can leave detectable signals at SK or HK, with sensitivity comparable to DM direct detection experiments while being consistent with current constraints. Our study provides a new search path for DM sectors with non-minimal structure. Contents

Self-Destructing Dark Matter

“…In [15] the possibility of releasing more than the recoil energy was considered, but with signals still in the domain of low threshold detectors. Other DM models [17][18][19][20][21][22][23], are similar to our scenario in that they can be probed at neutrino detectors [24]. Yet, in these models, the dynamics that lead to signals at neutrino detector (a "removal" of a baryon from the detector or a boosted population of DM) is different than the case of SDDM.…”

Boosted dark matter in IceCube and at the galactic center

“…The authors focused on electron recoil signatures in Super-Kamiokande [18], Hyper-Kamiokande [19] and PINGU [20]. In a subsequent paper [21], also the possibility of detecting boosted particles from the annihilation of heavy DM captured in the Sun has been considered. Such signals can be enhanced if the heavy DM particles are self-interacting, so that their capture rate in the Sun is increased [22].…”

Decaying leptophilic dark matter at IceCube

“…Alternative connections between DM and IC events have been proposed in literature. In particular the boosted DM mechanism [32][33][34][35] is based on the idea that a highly energetic (boosted) population of DM particle is originated by the decay of more massive and longlived non-thermal relic, dominating the DM distribution. Such boosted particles then interact with nucleons of detector via neutral current interactions.…”