Constraining decaying dark matter with the effective field theory of large-scale structure

TL;DR

This paper uses the effective field theory of large-scale structure to set the first constraints on decaying cold dark matter models using BOSS-DR12 data, exploring models where dark matter decays into dark radiation and warm dark matter.

Contribution

It applies the EFTofLSS to constrain decaying dark matter models, including a new model addressing the S8 tension, based on observational data.

Findings

Constraints on dark matter decay lifetime $ au$

Limits on fraction $f_{dcdm}$ of decaying dark matter

Implications for resolving the S8 tension

Abstract

I present the first constraints on decaying cold dark matter (DCDM) models thanks to the effective field theory of large-scale structure (EFTofLSS) applied to BOSS-DR12 data. I consider two phenomenological models of DCDM: i) a model where a fraction $f_{\rm dcdm}$ of cold dark matter (CDM) decays into dark radiation (DR) with a lifetime $\tau$; ii) a model (recently suggested as a potential resolution to the $S_8$ tension) where all the CDM decays with a lifetime $\tau$ into DR and a massive warm dark matter (WDM) particle, with a fraction $\varepsilon$ of the CDM rest mass energy transferred to the DR. I discuss the implications of the EFTofLSS constraints for the DCDM model suggested to resolve the $S_8$ tension.