# Sensitivity of the Cherenkov Telescope Array to the detection of a dark matter signal in comparison to direct detection and collider experiments

## TL;DR

This paper evaluates the Cherenkov Telescope Array's potential to detect dark matter signals through gamma-ray observations, comparing its sensitivity with collider and direct detection experiments, and highlighting its unique probing capabilities.

## Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of CTA's sensitivity to dark matter models against collider and direct detection experiments using effective field theory and simplified models.

## Key findings

- CTA can probe dark matter models beyond LHC reach.
- CTA can detect pseudoscalar-coupled dark matter beyond current direct detection limits.
- CTA's broad energy range enhances dark matter search prospects.

## Abstract

Imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs) that are sensitive to potential $\gamma$-ray signals from dark matter (DM) annihilation above $\sim50$ GeV will soon be superseded by the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). CTA will have a point source sensitivity an order of magnitude better than currently operating IACTs and will cover a broad energy range between 20 GeV and 300 TeV. Using effective field theory and simplified models to calculate $\gamma$-ray spectra resulting from DM annihilation, we compare the prospects to constrain such models with CTA observations of the Galactic center with current and near-future measurements at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and direct detection experiments. For DM annihilations via vector or pseudoscalar couplings, CTA observations will be able to probe DM models out of reach of the LHC, and, if DM is coupled to standard fermions by a pseudoscalar particle, beyond the limits of current direct detection experiments.