Particle Physics Implications and Constraints on Dark Matter Interpretations of the CDMS Signal

TL;DR

This paper explores particle physics models, especially involving a scalar mediator, to explain the CDMS dark matter signal excess, analyzing constraints from collider data and relic density considerations.

Contribution

It introduces a simplified scalar mediator model that can account for the CDMS excess while satisfying collider and relic density constraints.

Findings

Certain parameter regions fit the CDMS excess

Collider bounds significantly restrict viable models

Some models remain consistent with relic density requirements

Abstract

Recently the CDMS collaboration has reported an excess of events in the signal region of a search for dark matter scattering with Silicon nuclei. Three events on an expected background of 0.4 have a significance of about 2 sigma, and it is premature to conclude that this is a signal of dark matter. Nonetheless, it is important to examine the space of particle theories capable of explaining this excess, to see what theories are capable of explaining it, and how one might exclude it or find corroborating evidence in other channels. We examine a simplified model containing a scalar mediator particle, and find regions consistent with the CDMS observations. Bounds from colliders put important restrictions on the theory, but viable points, including points leading to the observed thermal relic density, survive.