Indirect Detection of Self-Interacting Asymmetric Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper explores how self-interacting asymmetric scalar dark matter could produce detectable signals via dark force mediator decay, potentially explaining certain astrophysical observations and addressing structure formation issues.

Contribution

It introduces a minimal model of self-interacting asymmetric scalar dark matter with bound state formation and predicts observable indirect detection signals.

Findings

Dark matter bound states can emit detectable signals.

Parameter regions exist where signals surpass current observational limits.

The model addresses small-scale structure problems in cosmology.

Abstract

Self-interacting dark matter resolves the issue of cuspy profiles that appear in non-interacting cold dark matter simluations; it may additionally resolve the so-called "too big to fail" problem in structure formation. Asymmetric dark matter provides a natural explanation of the comparable densities of baryonic matter and dark matter. In this paper, we discuss unique indirect detection signals produced by a minimal model of self-interacting asymmetric scalar dark matter. Through the formation of dark matter bound states, a dark force mediator particle may be emitted; the decay of this particle may produce an observable signal. We estimate the produced signal and explicitly demonstrate parameters for which the signal exceeds current observations.