PIRSA:15120010

Can We Identify the Theory of Dark Matter with Direct Detection?

(2015). Can We Identify the Theory of Dark Matter with Direct Detection?. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/15120010

Can We Identify the Theory of Dark Matter with Direct Detection?. Perimeter Institute, Dec. 08, 2015, https://pirsa.org/15120010 

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:15120010,
            doi = {10.48660/15120010},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/15120010},
            author = {},
            keywords = {Cosmology},
            language = {en},
            title = {Can We Identify the Theory of Dark Matter with Direct Detection?},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2015},
            month = {dec},
            note = {PIRSA:15120010 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }
DOI 10.48660/15120010
Collection
Talk Type Scientific Series
Subject

Abstract

In light of the upcoming Generation 2 (G2) direct-detection experiments attempting to record dark matter scattering with nuclei in underground detectors, it is timely to inquire about their ability to single out the correct theory of dark-matter-baryon interactions, in case a signal is observed. I will present a recent study in which we perform statistical analysis of a large set of direct-detection simulations, covering a wide variety of operators that describe scattering of fermionic dark matter with nuclei. I will show that a strong signal on G2 xenon and germanium targets has enough discrimination power to reconstruct the momentum dependence of the interaction, ruling out entire classes of models. However, zeroing in on a correct UV completion will critically depend on the availability of measurements from a wide variety of nuclear targets (including iodine and fluorine) and on the availability of low energy thresholds. This study quantifies complementarity amongst different experimental designs and targets, and provides a roadmap for future data analyses. It also highlights the critical need for bringing in information from all available probes in dark matter studies.