TeV-scale bulk neutrino in warped extra-dimensions as a DM candidate

TL;DR

This paper investigates the potential of right-handed neutrinos in warped extra-dimensional models to serve as dark matter candidates, analyzing the theoretical framework, experimental constraints, and stability issues.

Contribution

It presents a novel realization of a neutrino-based dark matter candidate within warped extra dimensions, addressing hierarchy, stability, and experimental constraints.

Findings

Identified parameter regions for viable neutrino mass hierarchies.

Highlighted stability issues that challenge the dark matter candidate.

Proposed solutions to improve model consistency and stability.

Abstract

In this thesis, we have studied the possibility to identify one of the right-handed neutrinos entering the type-I seesaw mechanism as a Dark Matter (DM) candidate, within the warped extra-dimensions paradigm. As a first step, we have reviewed the existing literature on the Randall-Sundrum scenarios and the Goldberger-Wise stabilization mechanism. We have discussed a feasible realization of the type-I seesaw mechanism, implemented by warped compactification of an extra dimension. Taking advantage of recent studies, we have explored how the thermal DM can be included in the warped scenario. We have also outlined the current experimental bounds on the searches for DM and heavy Majorana neutrinos, as well as the theoretical constraints imposed. We have focused on generating a specific hierarchy between the right-handed neutrinos, that allows a correct realization of the seesaw while having an eV-scale sterile neutrino (that may be helpful to explain or soften the so-called "neutrino anomalies"), another one lying in the appropriate mass range for the DM and the last one sufficiently heavy to decouple. In our search of the parameter space, we found significant regions where this pattern can be realized. Moreover, we identified some problems that compromise the integrity of the model: it does not account for the measured masses and mixing of the light neutrino sector and, moreover, there exist some dangerous decay channels that prevents the DM candidate to be sufficiently stable. We discussed both problems and propose some reasonable solutions.