Thermally generated gauge singlet scalars as self-interacting dark matter

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Cosmology
• Dark Matter Research

Background:

• The nature of dark matter remains one of the most significant unsolved problems in modern physics.
• The Standard Model of particle physics does not provide a suitable dark matter candidate.
• Exploring beyond the Standard Model physics is crucial for identifying dark matter particles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a gauge singlet scalar (S) as a potential dark matter candidate.
• To determine if the thermal relic density of scalar S aligns with cosmological observations.
• To explore the implications of scalar S self-interactions for dark matter properties.

Main Methods:

• Calculated the thermally generated relic density of a gauge singlet scalar (S).
• Analyzed the mass range of scalar S required for consistency with relic density.
• Examined the self-interaction of scalar S and its implications for self-interacting dark matter models.

Main Results:

• A gauge singlet scalar S with specific Higgs coupling has a thermally generated relic density Omega(S) approximately equal to 0.3 for m(S) approximately equal to (2.9-10.5) MeV.
• The required mass range for scalar S is remarkably similar to that needed for self-interacting dark matter.
• The coupling constant lambda(S) is very small, indicating weak interaction with the Standard Model sector.

Conclusions:

• A simple gauge singlet scalar, interacting weakly with the Higgs, can naturally explain the observed dark matter relic density.
• The properties of this scalar particle are consistent with models of self-interacting dark matter.
• This provides a compelling, weakly coupled candidate for dark matter.