Fine-tuning favors mixed axion/axino cold dark matter over neutralinos in the minimal supergravity model

TL;DR

This paper argues that in minimal supergravity models, mixed axion/axino dark matter is more natural and less fine-tuned than neutralino dark matter, leading to different experimental signatures.

Contribution

It demonstrates that axion/axino dark matter alleviates fine-tuning issues and alters the preferred parameter space in minimal supergravity models compared to neutralino dark matter.

Findings

Mixed axion/axino dark matter reduces fine-tuning in relic density.

Different regions of parameter space are favored with axion/axino CDM.

Distinct SUSY signatures are expected at the LHC with axion/axino CDM.

Abstract

Over almost all of minimal supergravity (mSUGRA or CMSSM) model parameter space, there is a large overabundance of neutralino cold dark matter (CDM). We find that the allowed regions of mSUGRA parameter space which match the measured abundance of CDM in the universe are highly fine-tuned. If instead we invoke the Peccei-Quinn-Weinberg-Wilczek solution to the strong CP problem, then the SUSY CDM may consist of an axion/axino admixture with an axino mass of order the MeV scale, and where mixed axion/axino or mainly axion CDM seems preferred. In this case, fine-tuning of the relic density is typically much lower, showing that axion/axino CDM (a\tilde{a}CDM) is to be preferred in the paradigm model for SUSY phenomenology. For mSUGRA with a\tilde{a}CDM, quite different regions of parameter space are now DM-favored as compared to the case of neutralino DM. Thus, rather different SUSY signatures are expected at the LHC in the case of mSUGRA with a\tilde{a}CDM, as compared to mSUGRA with neutralino CDM.