Warm Dark Matter in Low Scale Left-Right Theory

TL;DR

This paper explores the possibility of keV-scale right-handed neutrinos as dark matter candidates within low-scale left-right symmetric models, emphasizing the importance of late entropy production and right-handed interactions in achieving the correct relic density.

Contribution

It demonstrates the viability of keV right-handed neutrinos as dark matter in low-scale left-right models, identifying a narrow gauge boson mass window compatible with LHC and cosmological constraints.

Findings

Viable dark matter candidate identified as keV right-handed neutrino.

Late entropy production is crucial for relic density consistency.

A narrow gauge boson mass window may be accessible at LHC.

Abstract

We investigate the viability of having dark matter in the minimal left-right symmetric theory. We find the lightest right-handed neutrino with a mass around keV as the only viable candidate consistent with a TeV scale of left-right symmetry. In order to account for the correct relic density with such low scales, the thermal overproduction of the dark matter in the early universe is compensated by a sufficient late entropy production due to late decay of heavier right-handed neutrinos. We point out that the presence of the right-handed charge-current interactions, operative around the QCD phase transition, has a crucial impact on the amount of dilution, as does the nature of the phase transition itself. A careful numerical study, employing the Boltzmann equations, reveals the existence of a narrow window for the right-handed gauge boson mass, possibly within the reach of LHC (in disagreement with a previous study). We also elaborate on a variety of astrophysical, cosmological and low energy constraints on this scenario.