Higher-Spin Modes in a Domain-Wall Universe

TL;DR

This paper derives equations for massive higher-spin fields in complex gravitational backgrounds, especially in a thick domain wall geometry, and explores their potential as metastable dark matter candidates.

Contribution

It provides a new set of consistent equations for higher-spin fluctuations in non-constant curvature backgrounds like domain walls.

Findings

Higher-spin resonances have estimated mass and lifetime.

The brane supports quasi-bound massive higher-spin states.

Potential implications for dark matter in braneworld scenarios.

Abstract

We find a consistent set of equations of motion and constraints for massive higher-spin fluctuations in a gravitational background, required of certain characteristic properties but more general than constant curvature space. Of particular interest among such geometries is a thick domain wall--a smooth version of the Randall-Sundrum metric. Apart from the graviton zero mode, the brane accommodates quasi-bound massive states of higher spin contingent on the bulk mass. We estimate the mass and lifetime of these higher-spin resonances, which may appear as metastable dark matter in a braneworld universe.