Accidental Dark Matter: Case in the Scale Invariant Local $B-L$ Models

TL;DR

This paper investigates accidental dark matter stability within a scale invariant $U(1)_{B-L}$ model, highlighting new mechanisms for dark matter stability and their implications for relic density, collider bounds, and astrophysical signals.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of accidental dark matter in the scale invariant $U(1)_{B-L}$ model, including new stabilization mechanisms and phenomenological implications.

Findings

Real singlet scalar can be accidental DM with $Z_2$ symmetry.

Complex scalar with $Z_3$ symmetry can be a viable DM candidate.

Light DM can explain the galactic center gamma-ray excess.

Abstract

We explore the idea of accidental dark matter (aDM) stability in the scale invariant local $U(1)_{B-L}$ model, which is a theory for neutrino and at the same time radiatively breaks scale invariance via quantum mechanical dynamics in the $U(1)_{B-L}$ sector. A real singlet scalar can be accidental DM with an accidental $Z_2$, by virtue of both extended symmetries. A $U(1)_{B-L}$ charged complex scalar can also be a viable accidental DM due to an accidental (or remanent) $Z_3$. They can reproduce correct relic density via the annihilations through the conventional Higgs portal or dark Higgs portal. The dark Higgs portal scenario is in tension with the LHC bound on $Z_{B-L}$, and only heavy DM of a few TeVs can have correct relic density. In particular, DM may trigger spontaneous breaking of scale Invariance (SISB). The situation is relaxed significantly in the $Z_3$ case due to the effective semi-annihilation mode and then light DM can be accommodated easily. In addition, the $Z_3$ model can accommodate the GeV scale $\gamma-$ray excess from the galactic center (GC) via semi-annihilation into pseudo Goldstone boson (PGSB). The best fit is achieved at a DM about 52 GeV, with annihilation cross section consistent with the thermal relic density. The invisible Higgs branching ratio is negligible because the Higgs portal quartic coupling is very small $\lambda_{h\phi} \lesssim 10^{-3}$.