Explaining the DAMA Signal with WIMPless Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper proposes that WIMPless dark matter with masses of 2-10 GeV can explain the DAMA annual modulation signal while remaining consistent with other experimental constraints, and predicts detectable signals for future experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a WIMPless dark matter model that naturally accounts for the DAMA signal without conflicting with existing constraints.

Findings

WIMPless dark matter with 2-10 GeV mass explains DAMA signal

Predicts signals for other detection experiments

Compatible with current dark matter search constraints

Abstract

WIMPless dark matter provides a framework in which dark matter particles with a wide range of masses naturally have the correct thermal relic density. We show that WIMPless dark matter with mass around 2-10 GeV can explain the annual modulation observed by the DAMA experiment without violating the constraints of other dark matter searches. This explanation implies distinctive and promising signals for other direct detection experiments, GLAST, and the LHC.