Extracting the Gamma Ray Signal from Dark Matter Annihilation in the Galactic Center Region

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the GLAST satellite can distinguish gamma rays from dark matter annihilation in the Galactic Center from astrophysical backgrounds using spectral and angular data, enhancing dark matter detection prospects.

Contribution

It presents a method for separating dark matter signals from backgrounds in gamma-ray data, considering both point-like and diffuse sources with the GLAST instrument's capabilities.

Findings

Successful identification of dark matter annihilation signals is possible in many scenarios.

Spectral and angular analysis significantly improves detection sensitivity.

Background separation remains feasible despite astrophysical noise.

Abstract

The GLAST satellite mission will study the gamma ray sky with considerably greater exposure than its predecessor EGRET. In addition, it will be capable of measuring the arrival directions of gamma rays with much greater precision. These features each significantly enhance GLAST's potential for identifying gamma rays produced in the annihilations of dark matter particles. The combined use of spectral and angular information, however, is essential if the full sensitivity of GLAST to dark matter is to be exploited. In this paper, we discuss the separation of dark matter annihilation products from astrophysical backgrounds, focusing on the Galactic Center region, and perform a forecast for such an analysis. We consider both point-like and diffuse astrophysical backgrounds and model them using a point-spread-function for GLAST. While the results of our study depend on the specific characteristics of the dark matter signal and astrophysical backgrounds, we find that in many scenarios it is possible to successfully identify dark matter annihilation radiation, even in the presence of significant astrophysical backgrounds.