Detecting neutrino-boosted axion dark matter in the MeV gap

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method to detect axion dark matter boosted by supernova neutrinos through gamma-ray signals in the MeV range, which could reveal properties of dark matter with upcoming gamma-ray missions.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of neutrino-boosted axion dark matter and explores its gamma-ray signatures in the MeV energy range, a new approach in dark matter detection.

Findings

Potential gamma-ray signals from axion conversion in the Galactic magnetic field.

Next-generation gamma-ray missions can probe the MeV energy range for these signals.

Astrophysical observations could unveil fundamental properties of dark matter.

Abstract

The elusive nature of Dark Matter (DM) remains a mystery far from being solved. A vast effort is dedicated to search for signatures of feeble DM interactions with Standard Model particles. In this work, we explore the signatures of axion DM boosted by interactions with Supernova neutrinos: Neutrino-Boosted Axion DM ($\nu$BADM). We focus on $\nu$BADM converting into photons in the Galactic magnetic field, generating a peculiar gamma-ray flux. This signal falls in the poorly explored MeV energy range, that will be probed by next generation gamma-ray missions. Once more, astrophysical searches might act as a probe of fundamental physics, unveiling the nature and properties of DM.