Updated constraints on velocity and momentum-dependent asymmetric dark matter

TL;DR

This paper updates constraints on velocity and momentum-dependent asymmetric dark matter, showing how different interactions fit solar and detection data, with a focus on spin-dependent and spin-independent couplings.

Contribution

It improves the modeling of dark matter energy transport in the Sun and identifies the best-fit dark matter interaction types considering both solar physics and direct detection limits.

Findings

DM with $q^{4}$ coupling fits solar data well

Spin-dependent $v^2$ scattering is favored when considering detection limits

Best-fit dark matter mass is around 5 GeV

Abstract

We present updated constraints on dark matter models with momentum-dependent or velocity-dependent interactions with nuclei, based on direct detection and solar physics. We improve our previous treatment of energy transport in the solar interior by dark matter scattering, leading to significant changes in fits to many observables. Based on solar physics alone, DM with a spin-independent $q^{4}$ coupling provides the best fit to data, and a statistically satisfactory solution to the solar abundance problem. Once direct detection limits are accounted for however, the best solution is spin-dependent $v^2$ scattering with a reference cross-section of 10$^{-35}$ cm$^2$ (at a reference velocity of $v_0=220$ km s$^{-1}$), and a dark matter mass of about 5 GeV.