Dark sector and Axion-like particle search at BESIII

TL;DR

The BESIII experiment searches for dark matter and axion-like particles by analyzing rare decay processes and initial-state radiation events, providing new constraints on these elusive particles within the dark sector.

Contribution

This paper reports recent experimental results from BESIII, exploring dark matter scenarios and axion-like particles through rare decay channels and initial-state radiation, advancing the search for new physics beyond the Standard Model.

Findings

Constraints on axion-like particles from $J/\psi$ decays

Limits on dark photon contributions in rare decays

No significant signals observed, setting bounds on dark sector models

Abstract

Dark matter (DM) refers to a new type of matter that may explain observed rotation curves of galaxies and the composite structure of the Universe. It may couple to the Standard Model particles via portals, which include the possibility of axion-like particle, light Higgs boson, dark photon and spin-1/2 fermions. The axion-like particle and light Higgs boson can be accessible via radiative decays of $J/\psi$ while the dark photon via initial-state radiation process using the data of high-intensity $e^+e^-$ collider experiments, such as the BESIII experiment. DM may be depicted as baryonic matter in an invisible final state. The presence of a massless dark photon, predicted by the spontaneous broken of Abelian group $U(1)_D$, may enhance the branching fractions of rare flavor changing neutral current decay processes. BESIII experiment has recently explored the possibility of these DM scenarios using the data samples collected at several energy points, including $J/\psi$ and $\psi(3686)$ resonances. This report summarizes the recent results of the BESIII experiment related to the dark-sector and Axion-like particles.