LHC and Tevatron bounds on the dark matter direct detection cross-section for vector mediators

TL;DR

This paper derives bounds on dark matter direct detection cross-sections mediated by a new spin-1 particle, using collider search data to provide model-independent constraints that surpass previous limits for certain mediator masses.

Contribution

It introduces a method to constrain dark matter interactions via collider data without assuming a specific model, improving bounds for mediator masses between 300 and 1000 GeV.

Findings

Collider searches set strong bounds on mediator decay channels.

Limits on direct detection cross-section are stronger than previous assumptions.

Bounds are valid for mediator masses between 300 and 1000 GeV.

Abstract

We study the interactions of a new spin-1 mediator that connects the Standard Model to dark matter. We constrain its decay channels using monojet and monophoton searches, as well as searches for resonances in dijet, dilepton and diboson final states including those involving a possible Higgs. We then interpret the resulting limits as bounds on the cross-section for dark matter direct detection without the need to specify a particular model. For mediator masses between 300 and 1000 GeV these bounds are considerably stronger than the ones obtained under the assumption that the mediator can be integrated out.