Blazar constraints on neutrino-dark matter scattering

TL;DR

This paper derives new upper bounds on neutrino-dark matter scattering cross sections based on neutrino observations from the blazar TXS 0506+056, providing stronger constraints for certain dark matter mass ranges.

Contribution

It introduces novel astrophysical constraints on neutrino-dark matter interactions using blazar neutrino data, surpassing previous bounds under specific conditions.

Findings

Stronger bounds on neutrino-DM cross sections for certain DM masses.

Constraints depend on the energy dependence of the cross section.

Observations can limit dark matter properties through neutrino propagation analysis.

Abstract

Neutrino emission in coincidence with gamma rays has been observed from the blazar TXS 0506+056 by the IceCube telescope. Neutrinos from the blazar had to pass through a dense spike of dark matter (DM) surrounding the central black hole. The observation of such a neutrino implies new upper bounds on the neutrino-DM scattering cross section as a function of DM mass. The constraint is stronger than existing ones for a range of DM masses, if the cross section rises linearly with energy. For constant cross sections, competitive bounds are also possible, depending on details of the DM spike.