Non-Abelian gauge fields as dark matter

Abstract

SU(N) Lie algebras possess discrete symmetries which can lead naturally to stable vector dark matter (DM). In this work, we consider the possibility that the dark SU(N) sector couples to the visible sector through the Higgs portal. We find that minimal CP-conserving hidden "Higgs sectors" entail stable massive gauge fields which fall into the WIMP category of dark matter candidates. For SU(N), N > 2, DM consists of three components, two of which are degenerate in mass. In all of the cases, there are substantial regions of parameter space where the direct and indirect detection as well as relic abundance constraints are satisfied.

Multicomponent Dark Matter from gauge symmetry

“…In this case, the pseudoscalar as well as the gauge fields with distinct Z 2 × Z 2 quantum numbers constitute DM. The resulting phenomenology is very different from that of [26]. In particular, we find that there are substantial regions of parameter space where the direct detection cross section is suppressed.…”

“…The exact composition depends on the details of the spectrum. In particular, the SU(3) example studied in [26] has only vector DM with two components being degenerate in mass and the third one being somewhat lighter. These states interact with the visible sector through the Higgs portal operators.…”

“…We employ the model of [26] in a different parametric regime, where a stable pseudoscalar is lighter than the gauge field with the same Z 2 × Z 2 quantum numbers. In this case, the pseudoscalar as well as the gauge fields with distinct Z 2 × Z 2 quantum numbers constitute DM.…”

“…[26]. The hidden sector of the model is endowed with SU(3) gauge symmetry, which is broken JHEP12(2016)081 spontaneously (to nothing) by two hidden triplets φ 1 and φ 2 .…”

“…Then ϕ 1 is approximately a mass eigenstate, which we call H (to be consistent with the notation in ref. [26]), and m 2 H = λ 1 v 2 1 . The other two mass eigenstates are 3…”