Halo-independent analysis of direct dark matter detection through electron scattering

Sub-GeV mass dark matter particles whose collisions with nuclei would not deposit sufficient energy to be detected, could instead be revealed through their interaction with electrons. Analyses of data from direct detection experiments usually require assuming a local dark matter halo velocity distribution. In the halo-independent analysis method, properties of this distribution are instead inferred from direct dark matter detection data, which allows then to compare different data without making any assumption on the uncertain local dark halo characteristics. This method has so far been developed for and applied to dark matter scattering off nuclei. Here we demonstrate how this analysis can be applied to scattering off electrons.

The Echo Method for Axion Dark Matter Detection

The axion is a dark matter candidate arising from the spontaneous breaking of the Peccei–Quinn symmetry, introduced to solve the strong CP problem. It has been shown that radio/microwave radiation sent out to space is backscattered in the presence of axion dark matter due to stimulated axion decay. This backscattering is a feeble and narrow echo signal centered at an angular frequency very close to one-half of the axion mass. In this article, we summarize all the relevant results found so far, including analytical formulas for the echo signal, as well as sensitivity prospects for possible near-future experiments.

A Study on the Detection Method of Dark Matter using Gravitational Waves

Dark matter is a type of invisible matter that analytically exists in the universe. Nowadays, scholars have yet detected it and confirmed its presence experimentally. Einstein predicted gravitational waves based on his general theory of relativity. In 2015, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) first detected the gravitational wave. This paper reviews the background of dark matter and gravitational waves and introduces the method of detecting dark matter with gravitational waves. Moreover, the feasibility of the scenario has been verified based on information retrieval and theoretical analysis. These results shed light on the future detection schemes of dark matter detection.

The particles concepts and physical detection schemes of dark matter

It is still unable to determine the categories of particle that composes the dark matter due to the shortage of detection methods. In this paper, we used the methods of separation of variables, analogy, and dimensional analysis to investigate dark matter detection. The three different models, including the WIMP, axions, and MACHOs, are considered first, which described the properties of dark matter as well. Subsequently, the three currents methods of detecting dark matter, and shortage of those methods are discussed. According to the drawbacks, we have related Gravitational Waves and Cosmic Rays to detecting dark matter, which may contribute to the further detection of dark matter. The milestones achieved these years have also been briefly described, followed by some up-gradations of detectors and further research schemes. These new methods proposed in theory will be upgraded and implemented soon. These results shed light for future dark matter detection.

Recommended conventions for reporting results from direct dark matter searches

The field of dark matter detection is a highly visible and highly competitive one. In this paper, we propose recommendations for presenting dark matter direct detection results particularly suited for weak-scale dark matter searches, although we believe the spirit of the recommendations can apply more broadly to searches for other dark matter candidates, such as very light dark matter or axions. To translate experimental data into a final published result, direct detection collaborations must make a series of choices in their analysis, ranging from how to model astrophysical parameters to how to make statistical inferences based on observed data. While many collaborations follow a standard set of recommendations in some areas, for example the expected flux of dark matter particles (to a large degree based on a paper from Lewin and Smith in 1995), in other areas, particularly in statistical inference, they have taken different approaches, often from result to result by the same collaboration. We set out a number of recommendations on how to apply the now commonly used Profile Likelihood Ratio method to direct detection data. In addition, updated recommendations for the Standard Halo Model astrophysical parameters and relevant neutrino fluxes are provided. The authors of this note include members of the DAMIC, DarkSide, DARWIN, DEAP, LZ, NEWS-G, PandaX, PICO, SBC, SENSEI, SuperCDMS, and XENON collaborations, and these collaborations provided input to the recommendations laid out here. Wide-spread adoption of these recommendations will make it easier to compare and combine future dark matter results.