Reflections on the direct detection of particle dark matter

TL;DR

This paper discusses the recent stringent limits on WIMP dark matter detection from LUX and questions whether direct detection is the optimal approach, considering alternative theories like MOND.

Contribution

It provides a critical reflection on the effectiveness of direct detection experiments and explores alternative explanations for dark matter.

Findings

LUX set the most stringent upper limits on WIMP-nucleon cross section.

Negative results challenge the viability of WIMP detection as the primary dark matter solution.

The paper considers alternative theories like MOND as potential explanations.

Abstract

The LUX experimental group has just announced the most stringent upper limits so far obtained on the cross section of WIMP-nucleon elastic scattering [1]. This result is a factor of two to five below the previous best upper limit [2] and effectively rules out earlier suggestions of low mass WIMP detection signals. The experimental expertise exhibited by this group is extremely impressive, but the fact of continued negative results raises the more basic question of whether or not this is the right approach to solving the dark matter problem. Here I comment upon this question, using as a basis the final chapter of my book on dark matter [3], somewhat revised and extended. I muse on dark matter and its alternative, modified Newtonian dynamics, or MOND.