Dark Matter Candidates: A Ten-Point Test

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive 10-point test to evaluate the viability of non-baryonic dark matter candidates based on astrophysical, cosmological, and experimental criteria.

Contribution

It provides a systematic framework for assessing dark matter candidates, integrating multiple observational and experimental constraints into a unified test.

Findings

The 10-point test effectively filters viable dark matter candidates.

Most candidates fail at least one of the criteria, narrowing down the options.

The test guides future experimental and observational efforts for dark matter detection.

Abstract

An extraordinarily rich zoo of non-baryonic Dark Matter candidates has been proposed over the last three decades. Here we present a 10-point test that a new particle has to pass, in order to be considered a viable DM candidate: I.) Does it match the appropriate relic density? II.) Is it {\it cold}? III.) Is it neutral? IV.) Is it consistent with BBN? V.) Does it leave stellar evolution unchanged? VI.) Is it compatible with constraints on self-interactions? VII.) Is it consistent with {\it direct} DM searches? VIII.) Is it compatible with gamma-ray constraints? IX.) Is it compatible with other astrophysical bounds? X.) Can it be probed experimentally?