Dark Matter and EWSB Naturalness in Unified SUSY Models

TL;DR

This paper examines how fine-tuning in Electroweak Symmetry Breaking affects dark matter detection prospects within unified SUSY models, updating previous results with current experimental constraints and exploring model viability.

Contribution

It analyzes the relationship between EWSB fine-tuning and dark matter detectability in CMSSM and NUHM models, incorporating recent Higgs discovery data.

Findings

125 GeV Higgs excludes least fine-tuned CMSSM points

Next-gen dark matter searches may struggle to detect remaining models

NUHM models offer lower fine-tuning and better detection prospects

Abstract

The relationship between the degree of fine-tuning in Electroweak Symmetry Breaking (EWSB) and the discoverability of dark matter in current and next generation direct detection experiments is investigated in the context of two unified Supersymmetry scenarios: the constrained Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (CMSSM) and models with non-universal Higgs masses (NUHM). Attention is drawn to the mechanism(s) by which the relic abundance of neutralino dark matter is suppressed to cosmologically viable values. After a summary of Amsel, Freese, and Sandick (2011), results are updated to reflect current constraints, including the discovery of a new particle consistent with a Standard Model-like Higgs boson. We find that a Higgs mass of ~125 GeV excludes the least fine-tuned CMSSM points in our parameter space and that remaining viable models may be difficult to probe with next generation direct dark matter searches. Relatively low fine-tuning and good direct detection prospects are still possible in NUHM scenarios.