Dark Matter Clusters and Time Correlations in Direct Detection Experiments

TL;DR

This paper explores how dark matter clustering could cause time-correlated detection signals across multiple experiments, potentially explaining past failures and guiding future detection strategies.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that dark matter clusters of certain sizes and densities can produce detectable time correlations between different experiments, a novel approach to dark matter detection.

Findings

Time correlations between detectors can indicate dark matter clusters.

Large dark matter clusters may cause annual detection patterns.

Detection strategies should consider clustering effects.

Abstract

Assuming that dark matter (DM) efficiently clusters on various scales we analyse the possible impact on direct DM searches. For certain sizes and densities of DM clusters, mutual detector-cluster encounters may occur only once a year or every several years leading to the apparent failure of individual experiments searching for DM to discover it. If, however, encounters with Earth size and up to $10^4$ times bigger clusters occur about once a year, then finding time correlations between events in different underground detectors can lead to DM discovery.