Dark Atoms of Dark Matter and their Stable Charged Constituents

TL;DR

This paper explores a novel dark matter model where stable charged particles form neutral composite atoms, potentially explaining DAMA experiment results and suggesting new detection strategies involving stable charged particles.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of stable charged constituents forming neutral dark atoms, providing an alternative to WIMP models and connecting experimental results with new detection approaches.

Findings

DAMA results may be explained by O-helium atom interactions.

Stable -2 charged particles could be detected at LHC or cosmic rays.

Composite dark matter scenario offers a new direction for dark matter searches.

Abstract

Direct searches for dark matter lead to serious problems for simple models with stable neutral Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) as candidates for dark matter. A possibility is discussed that new stable quarks and charged leptons exist and are hidden from detection, being bound in neutral dark atoms of composite dark matter. Stable -2 charged particles $O^{--}$ are bound with primordial helium in O-helium (OHe) atoms, being specific nuclear interacting form of composite dark matter. The positive results of DAMA experiments can be explained as annual modulation of radiative capture of O-helium by nuclei. In the framework of this approach test of DAMA results in detectors with other chemical content becomes a nontrivial task, while the experimental search of stable charged particles at LHC or in cosmic rays acquires a meaning of direct test for composite dark matter scenario.