Robust collider limits on heavy-mediator Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper develops a consistent EFT-based approach to set collider bounds on heavy-mediator Dark Matter, revealing that many parameter regions previously thought excluded are still viable, and enabling reinterpretation across models.

Contribution

It introduces a method for applying EFTs to collider Dark Matter searches that avoids model bias and clarifies the true exclusion limits.

Findings

A significant portion of parameter space remains unexplored under naive EFT interpretations.

The method allows reinterpretation of limits in specific models.

Comparison shows the new approach can be more inclusive than dedicated analyses.

Abstract

We discuss how to consistently use Effective Field Theories (EFTs) to set universal bounds on heavy-mediator Dark Matter at colliders, without prejudice on the model underlying a given effective interaction. We illustrate the method for a Majorana fermion, universally coupled to the Standard Model quarks via a dimension-6 axial-axial four-fermion operator. We recast the ATLAS mono-jet analysis and show that a considerable fraction of the parameter space, seemingly excluded by a na\"ive EFT interpretation, is actually still unexplored. Consistently set EFT limits can be reinterpreted in any specific underlying model. We provide two explicit examples for the chosen operator and compare the reach of our model-independent method with that obtainable by dedicated analyses.