Sterile neutrino dark matter in a U(1) extension of the standard model

TL;DR

This paper investigates a U(1) extension of the standard model, called the super-weak model, to explain dark matter through a lightest right-handed neutrino, analyzing both freeze-in and freeze-out production mechanisms.

Contribution

It identifies viable parameter regions for sterile neutrino dark matter in the super-weak model, considering experimental constraints and future search prospects.

Findings

Viable parameter space for dark matter exists in the model.

Distinct regions for freeze-in and freeze-out mechanisms.

Future experiments can test the freeze-out region.

Abstract

We explore the parameter space of a U(1) extension of the standard model -- also called the super-weak model -- from the point of view of explaining the observed dark matter energy density in the Universe. The new particle spectrum contains a complex scalar singlet and three right-handed neutrinos, among which the lightest one is the dark matter candidate. We explore both freeze-in and freeze-out mechanisms of dark matter production. In both cases, we find regions in the plane of the super-weak coupling vs. the mass of the new gauge boson that are not excluded by current experimental constraints. These regions are distinct and the one for freeze-out will be explored in searches for neutral gauge boson in the near future.