Direct couplings of mimetic dark matter and their cosmological effects

TL;DR

This paper explores how direct derivative couplings of mimetic dark matter to standard model particles could influence cosmological phenomena like baryon asymmetry and cosmic birefringence, expanding the understanding of dark matter interactions.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of derivative couplings of mimetic dark matter to standard particles and analyzes their potential cosmological effects.

Findings

Derivative couplings can generate baryon asymmetry.

Couplings may induce cosmic birefringence.

Potential observable effects in cosmology.

Abstract

The original mimetic model was proposed to take the role of dark matter. In this paper we consider possible direct interactions of the mimetic dark matter with other matter in the universe, especially the standard model particles such as baryons and photons. By imposing shift symmetry, the mimetic dark matter field can only have derivative couplings. We discuss the possibilities of generating baryon number asymmetry and cosmic birefringence in the universe based on the derivative couplings of the mimetic dark matter to baryons and photons.