Hidden vector dark matter

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model where dark matter consists of stable massive gauge bosons from a hidden non-abelian gauge sector, naturally stable due to custodial symmetry, and compatible with observed relic density and experimental constraints.

Contribution

It introduces a new dark matter model with gauge bosons stabilized by custodial symmetry, avoiding the need for imposed discrete symmetries, and explores its phenomenology and testability.

Findings

Gauge bosons can be dark matter candidates with natural stability.

The model achieves correct relic density via Higgs portal interactions.

Potential for experimental detection in various parameter regions.

Abstract

We show that dark matter could be made of massive gauge bosons whose stability doesn't require to impose by hand any discrete or global symmetry. Stability of gauge bosons can be guaranteed by the custodial symmetry associated to the gauge symmetry and particle content of the model. The particle content we consider to this end is based on a hidden sector made of a vector multiplet associated to a non-abelian gauge group and of a scalar multiplet charged under this gauge group. The hidden sector interacts with the Standard Model particles through the Higgs portal quartic scalar interaction in such a way that the gauge bosons behave as thermal WIMPS. This can lead easily to the observed dark matter relic density in agreement with the other various constraints, and can be tested experimentally in a large fraction of the parameter space. In this model the dark matter direct detection rate and the annihilation cross section can decouple if the Higgs portal interaction is weak.