Direct Detection of Dark Matter with MadDM v.2.0

TL;DR

MadDM v.2.0 is an advanced computational tool that automates calculations for dark matter direct detection, including cross sections and recoil rates, integrating detector effects and validating across models.

Contribution

This paper introduces MadDM v.2.0, a comprehensive and automated software extension for calculating dark matter direct detection signals in various models.

Findings

Validated MadDM v.2.0 against existing tools and literature.

Supports a wide range of detector materials and configurations.

Accurately computes recoil rates and cross sections for dark matter models.

Abstract

We present MadDM v.2.0, a numerical tool for dark matter physics in a generic model. This version is the next step towards the development of a fully automated framework for dark matter searches at the interface of collider physics, astro-physics and cosmology. It extends the capabilities of v.1.0 to perform calculations relevant to the direct detection of dark matter. These include calculations of spin-independent/spin-dependent nucleon scattering cross sections and nuclear recoil rates (as a function of both energy and angle), as well as a simplified functionality to compare the model points with existing constraints. The functionality of MadDM v.2.0 incorporates a large selection of dark matter detector materials and sizes, and simulates detector effects on the nuclear recoil signals. We validate the code in a wide range of dark matter models by comparing results from MadDM v.2.0 to the existing tools and literature.