Direct detection of dark matter polarizability

TL;DR

This paper explores how dark matter's electromagnetic polarizability can be directly detected through nuclear form factors, revealing unique dependencies on target nuclei and momentum transfer, with implications for experimental detection.

Contribution

It introduces two new nuclear form factors linked to dark matter polarizability and discusses their experimental signatures and UV completions.

Findings

Distinct nuclear form factors influence detection signals.

Detection signatures vary with target nuclei and momentum transfer.

Potential for new experimental approaches to dark matter detection.

Abstract

We point out that the direct detection of dark matter via its electro-magnetic polarizability is described by two new nuclear form factors, which are controlled by the 2-nucleon nuclear density. The signature manifests a peculiar dependence on the atomic and mass numbers of the target nuclei, as well as on the momentum transfer, and can differ significantly from experiment to experiment. We also discuss UV completions of our scenario.