Update on scalar singlet dark matter

TL;DR

This paper reviews current experimental constraints on scalar singlet dark matter models, highlighting how upcoming experiments could significantly limit the viable parameter space and impact related cosmological and particle physics phenomena.

Contribution

It provides an updated analysis of experimental limits on scalar singlet dark matter, discussing implications for electroweak phase transition and vacuum stability.

Findings

Current parameter space is nearly excluded by upcoming experiments.

Next-generation searches will significantly constrain scalar singlet models.

Implications for electroweak phase transition and Higgs vacuum stability.

Abstract

One of the simplest models of dark matter is that where a scalar singlet field S comprises some or all of the dark matter, and interacts with the standard model through an HHSS coupling to the Higgs boson. We update the present limits on the model from LHC searches for invisible Higgs decays, the thermal relic density of S, and dark matter searches via indirect and direct detection. We point out that the currently allowed parameter space is on the verge of being significantly reduced with the next generation of experiments. We discuss the impact of such constraints on possible applications of scalar singlet dark matter, including a strong electroweak phase transition, and the question of vacuum stability of the Higgs potential at high scales.