Testing the 130 GeV gamma-ray line with high energy resolution detectors

TL;DR

This paper proposes using upcoming high-resolution gamma-ray detectors like CALET and DAMPE to verify the 130 GeV gamma-ray line signal reported by Fermi-LAT, potentially confirming new physics beyond the standard model.

Contribution

It demonstrates that high energy resolution detectors can significantly improve the detection significance of the 130 GeV gamma-ray line, enabling a definitive test of its reality.

Findings

DAMPE can reach 11σ significance with current data

A 5σ detection is possible within 1.4 years of observation

High resolution detectors enhance line detection sensitivity

Abstract

Recently some hints of the existence of $\gamma$-ray line around 130 GeV are reported according to the analysis of Fermi-LAT data. If confirmed it would be the first direct evidence to show the existence of new physics beyond the standard model. Here we suggest that using the forthcoming high energy resolution $\gamma$-ray detectors, such as CALET and DAMPE, we may test whether it is real line structure or just the background effect. For DAMPE like detector with designed energy resolution $\sim1.5%$, a line significance will reach $11\sigma$ for the same statistics as Fermi-LAT. For about 1.4 yr survey observation, DAMPE may detect a $5\sigma$ signal of such a $\gamma$-ray line.