The detection of sub-solar mass dark matter halos

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current understanding of sub-solar mass dark matter halos, known as microhalos, their significance in cosmic structure formation, and how their existence impacts dark matter detection experiments.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of microhalos, highlighting their formation, properties, and implications for dark matter research, which is a novel synthesis in this context.

Findings

Microhalos are the first bound structures in cold dark matter models.

Their presence influences the interpretation of dark matter detection results.

Understanding microhalos aids in constraining dark matter properties.

Abstract

Dark matter halos of sub-solar mass are the first bound objects to form in cold dark matter theories. In this article, I discuss the present understanding of "microhalos'', their role in structure formation, and the implications of their potential presence, in the interpretation of dark matter experiments.