More is Different: Non-Minimal Dark Sectors and their Implications for Particle Physics, Astrophysics, and Cosmology -- 13 Take-Away Lessons for Snowmass 2021

TL;DR

This paper discusses 13 unexpected collective phenomena arising from large, complex dark sectors, impacting particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology, and emphasizing the importance of broad perspectives in dark matter research.

Contribution

It introduces 13 novel lessons highlighting collective phenomena in non-minimal dark sectors across multiple physics domains, challenging traditional assumptions.

Findings

Large dark sectors can produce unexpected collider signatures.

Non-minimal dark sectors influence astrophysical and cosmological phenomena.

New perspectives on dark-matter detection and complementarity are necessary.

Abstract

The phrase "more is different" is often used to refer to the new, unexpected collective phenomena that can arise when the number of states in a given system is large. In this contribution to the Snowmass 2021 Study, we describe 13 unexpected collective phenomena that can arise when the dark sector contains a large number of states, contrary to the usual assumptions. These 13 take-away lessons stretch across all of the domains of relevance for dark-matter physics, including collider signatures, direct-detection signatures, indirect-detection signatures, new perspectives on dark-matter complementarity, and even unexpected astrophysical and cosmological phenomena that transcend those normally associated with single-component dark-matter scenarios. These lessons -- and the phenomena on which they are based -- thereby illustrate the need to maintain a broad perspective when contemplating the possible signatures and theoretical possibilities associated with non-minimal dark sectors.