Inelastic Boosted Dark Matter at Direct Detection Experiments

TL;DR

This paper introduces Inelastic Boosted Dark Matter (iBDM), a new class of dark matter models that produce distinctive signals at direct detection experiments by combining inelastic scattering with boosted particle production.

Contribution

It proposes a novel dark matter model framework that predicts unique experimental signatures, combining inelastic scattering and boosted particle production in galactic halos.

Findings

New experimental signatures for iBDM at direct detection experiments

Potential to probe MeV-range boosted dark matter via electron interactions

Unconventional search strategies involving energetic recoil electrons and displaced multi-tracks

Abstract

We explore a novel class of multi-particle dark sectors, called Inelastic Boosted Dark Matter (iBDM). These models are constructed by combining properties of particles that scatter off matter by making transitions to heavier states (Inelastic Dark Matter) with properties of particles that are produced with a large Lorentz boost in annihilation processes in the galactic halo (Boosted Dark Matter). This combination leads to new signals that can be observed at ordinary direct detection experiments, but require unconventional searches for energetic recoil electrons in coincidence with displaced multi-track events. Related experimental strategies can also be used to probe MeV-range boosted dark matter via their interactions with electrons inside the target material.