The lightest visible-sector supersymmetric particle is likely to be unstable

TL;DR

This paper argues that, based on string/$M$-theory solutions, the lightest visible-sector supersymmetric particle is likely unstable, implying dark matter probably does not consist of Standard Model-like particles such as WIMPs.

Contribution

It presents a theoretical argument, grounded in string/$M$-theory, that the lightest visible-sector supersymmetric particle cannot be stable, challenging common dark matter assumptions.

Findings

Dark matter is unlikely to be a Standard Model-like particle.

Hidden sectors and their interactions influence supersymmetric particle stability.

The lightest visible-sector supersymmetric particle is probably unstable.

Abstract

We argue, based on typical properties of known solutions of string/$M$-theory, that the lightest supersymmetric particle of the visible sector will not be stable. In other words, dark matter is {\em not} a particle with Standard Model quantum numbers, such as a WIMP. The argument is simple and based on the typical occurrence of a) hidden sectors, b) interactions between the Standard Model (visible) sector and these hidden sectors, and c) the lack of an argument against massive neutral hidden sector particles being lighter than the lightest visible supersymmetric particle. These conclusions do not rely on arguments such as R-parity violation.