Supersymmetric Dark Matter or Not

TL;DR

This paper discusses the implications of high-scale supersymmetry and alternative grand unified theories like SO(10) for dark matter, highlighting the challenges and prospects of different models in explaining dark matter and unification.

Contribution

It compares supersymmetric and non-supersymmetric grand unified theories as dark matter candidates, analyzing parameter space constraints and unification features.

Findings

Supersymmetric models require coannihilations for relic density.

High supersymmetry scale is consistent with Higgs mass.

SO(10) GUTs can unify gauge couplings and explain neutrino masses.

Abstract

The lack of evidence for low energy supersymmetry at the LHC implies a supersymmetry scale in excess a TeV. While this is consistent (and even helpful) with a Higgs boson mass at $\approx$ 125 GeV, simple supersymmetric models with scalar and gaugino mass universality are being pushed into strips of parameter space. These often require coannihilations to obtain an acceptable relic density and the extent of these coannihilation strips will be discussed. In contrast, non-supersymmetric grand unified theories such as SO(10) may also provide a dark matter candidate. Because of the presence of an intermediate scale, these theories may unify gauge couplings, provide for neutrino masses and a suitably long lived proton.