WIMP capture and annihilation in the Earth in effective theories

TL;DR

This paper calculates WIMP capture and annihilation rates in the Earth using a comprehensive non-relativistic effective theory, revealing new resonance features and setting limits on interaction couplings based on IceCube data.

Contribution

It introduces a complete analysis of all Galilean invariant operators for dark matter-nucleon interactions in Earth's WIMP capture, extending previous solar-based studies.

Findings

Iron is not always the dominant element in WIMP capture.

Resonance positions depend on specific interaction operators.

Stronger limits on certain interaction couplings are derived from IceCube data.

Abstract

I calculate the rate of WIMP capture and annihilation in the Earth in the non-relativistic effective theory of dark matter-nucleon interactions. Neglecting operator interference, I consider all Galilean invariant interaction operators that can arise from the exchange of a heavy particle of spin less than or equal to one when WIMPs have spin 0, 1/2 or 1. I compute position and shape of the expected resonances in the mass - capture rate plane and show that Iron is not the most important element in the capture process for many currently ignored interaction operators. I compare these predictions with the recent results of an Earth WIMP analysis of IceCube in the 86-string configuration and set limits on all isoscalar and isovector coupling constants of the effective theory of dark matter-nucleon interactions. For certain interaction operators and for a dark matter particle mass of about 50 GeV, I find that these limits are stronger than those I have previously derived in an analysis of the solar WIMP search performed at IceCube in the 79-string configuration.