Dark Matter-Neutrino Interconversion at COHERENT, Direct Detection, and the Early Universe

TL;DR

This paper explores a dark matter-neutrino interaction model affecting direct detection experiments, neutrino scattering, and early universe structure, providing new constraints and predictions for future experiments.

Contribution

It introduces a neutrino-DM-scalar coupling model with novel signatures at direct detection and neutrino experiments, and analyzes constraints from current and future data.

Findings

COHERENT and late kinetic decoupling constrain low-mass DM

XENON1T and Borexino constrain high-mass DM

Future experiments will improve sensitivity to the model

Abstract

We study a Dark Matter (DM) model in which the dominant coupling to the standard model occurs through a neutrino-DM-scalar coupling. The new singlet scalar will generically have couplings to nuclei/electrons arising from renormalizable Higgs portal interactions. As a result the DM particle $X$ can convert into a neutrino via scattering on a target nucleus $\mathcal{N}$: $ X + \mathcal{N} \rightarrow \nu + \mathcal{N}$, leading to striking signatures at direct detection experiments. Similarly, DM can be produced in neutrino scattering events at neutrino experiments: $ \nu + \mathcal{N} \rightarrow X + \mathcal{N}$, predicting spectral distortions at experiments such as COHERENT. Furthermore, the model allows for late kinetic decoupling of dark matter with implications for small-scale structure. At low masses, we find that COHERENT and late kinetic decoupling produce the strongest constraints on the model, while at high masses the leading constraints come from DM down-scattering at XENON1T and Borexino. Future improvement will come from CE$\nu$NS data, ultra-low threshold direct detection, and rare kaon decays.