Detecting Fluorescent Dark Matter with X-ray lasers

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel experimental method using X-ray lasers to detect fluorescent dark matter, potentially explaining astrophysical observations and predicting measurable events in laboratory settings.

Contribution

It introduces a new laboratory detection technique for fluorescent dark matter using X-ray laser facilities, linking astrophysical signals to experimental searches.

Findings

Expected 1-10 detection events per week at LCLS-II

Proposes a setup with lead shielding and X-ray detectors

Connects laboratory detection to astrophysical observations

Abstract

Fluorescent Dark Matter has been suggested as a possible explanation of both the 3.5 keV excess in the diffuse emission of the Perseus Cluster and of the deficit at the same energy in the central active galaxy within that cluster, NGC 1275. In this work we point out that such a dark matter candidate can be searched for at the new X-ray laser facilities that are currently being built and starting to operate around the world. We present one possible experimental set up where the laser is passed through a narrow cylinder lined with lead shielding. Flourescent Dark Matter would be excited upon interaction with the laser photons and travel across the lead shielding to decay outside the cylinder, in a region which has been instrumented with X-ray detectors. For an instrumented length of 7cm at the LCLS-II laser we expect $\mathcal{O} (1 - 10)$ such events per week for parameters which explain the astronomical observations.