Spin-independent interferences and spin-dependent interactions with scalar dark matter

TL;DR

This paper investigates mechanisms of interference that suppress spin-independent interactions in scalar dark matter scattering, exploring models with scalar and vector interactions, and analyzing their compatibility with experimental constraints and signals.

Contribution

It introduces detailed models of interference effects in scalar dark matter interactions, including scalar and vector mediated scenarios, with predictions consistent with various experimental results.

Findings

Destructive interference can suppress spin-independent scattering in certain models.

Some scenarios remain compatible with Xenon detector limits and CoGeNT/CDMS-Si signals.

Interference effects can lead to dominant spin-dependent interactions at specific parameter regions.

Abstract

We explore mechanisms of interferences under which the spin-independent interaction in the scattering of scalar dark matter with nucleus is suppressed. We offer a detailed derivation of the nuclear amplitudes based on the interactions with quarks in the framework of a nonuniversal $U(1)'$ extension of the standard model. By assuming a range of parameters compatible with collider searches, electroweak observables and dark matter abundance, we find scenarios for destructive interferences with and without isospin symmetry. The model reveals solutions with mutually interfering scalar particles, canceling the effective spin-independent coupling with only scalar interactions, which requires an extra Higgs boson with mass $M_{H}>125$ GeV. The model also possesses scenarios with only vector interactions through two neutral gauge bosons, $Z$ and $Z'$. Due to the nonuniversality of the $U(1)'$ symmetry, we distinguish two family structures of the quark sector with different numerical predictions. In one case, we obtain cross sections that pass all the Xenon-based detector experiments. In the other case, limits from LUX experiment enclose an exclusion region for dark matter between $9$ and $800$ GeV. We examine a third scenario with isospin-violating couplings where interferences between scalar and vector boson exchanges cancel the scattering. We provide solutions where interactions with Xenon-based detectors is suppressed for light dark matter, below $6$ GeV, while interactions with Germanium- and Silicon-based detectors exhibit solutions up to the regions of interest for positive signals reported by CoGeNT and CDMS-Si experiments, and compatible with the observed DM relic density for DM mass in the range $8.3-10$ GeV. Spin-dependent interactions become the dominant source of scattering around the interference regions, where Maxwellian speed distribution is considered.