(In)Direct Detection of Boosted Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-component dark matter model where a lighter, boosted component produces detectable Cherenkov light in neutrino experiments, offering a new way to identify dark matter signals.

Contribution

The paper proposes a novel multi-component dark matter model with a unique experimental signature mimicking neutrino interactions, combining indirect and direct detection methods.

Findings

Relativistic boosted dark matter can produce Cherenkov signals in neutrino detectors.

Directionality helps distinguish dark matter signals from atmospheric neutrino background.

Viable parameter space identified for current and future experiments.

Abstract

We present a new multi-component dark matter model with a novel experimental signature that mimics neutral current interactions at neutrino detectors. In our model, the dark matter is composed of two particles, a heavier dominant component that annihilates to produce a boosted lighter component that we refer to as boosted dark matter. The lighter component is relativistic and scatters off electrons in neutrino experiments to produce Cherenkov light. This model combines the indirect detection of the dominant component with the direct detection of the boosted dark matter. Directionality can be used to distinguish the dark matter signal from the atmospheric neutrino background. We discuss the viable region of parameter space in current and future experiments.