Search for dark matter annihilations in the Sun with the 79-string IceCube detector

TL;DR

This study uses the IceCube 79-string detector, including the DeepCore array, to search for muon neutrinos from dark matter annihilations in the Sun, setting new limits on WIMP-proton interactions.

Contribution

First analysis to include DeepCore in the IceCube 79-string data, extending the energy range and improving constraints on dark matter properties.

Findings

No excess neutrinos observed, consistent with background.

Set the most stringent limits on spin-dependent WIMP-proton cross-sections above 35 GeV.

Constrained dark matter models with WIMP masses from 20 to 5000 GeV.

Abstract

We have performed a search for muon neutrinos from dark matter annihilation in the center of the Sun with the 79-string configuration of the IceCube neutrino telescope. For the first time, the DeepCore sub-array is included in the analysis, lowering the energy threshold and extending the search to the austral summer. The 317 days of data collected between June 2010 and May 2011 are consistent with the expected background from atmospheric muons and neutrinos. Upper limits are therefore set on the dark matter annihilation rate, with conversions to limits on spin-dependent and spin-independent WIMP-proton cross-sections for WIMP masses in the range 20 - 5000 GeV. These are the most stringent spin-dependent WIMP-proton cross-sections limits to date above 35 GeV.