Search for Dark Matter Annihilation Signals in the Galactic Center Halo with VERITAS

TL;DR

This study reports on 178 hours of VERITAS gamma-ray observations of the Galactic Center, employing novel background analysis techniques to search for dark matter annihilation signals, resulting in strong limits on dark matter properties.

Contribution

First application of a template-based background method to VERITAS data for dark matter searches at the Galactic Center.

Findings

No significant gamma-ray excess detected.

Derived competitive limits on dark matter annihilation cross section.

Analysis techniques optimized for large zenith angles.

Abstract

Gamma-ray observations of the Galactic Center (GC) region provide some of the most sensitive measurements of annihilation signals from dark matter in the GeV-TeV mass range. We present the first results from 178 hours of VERITAS observations of a 2 degree region around the GC, taken between 2010 and 2022. The analysis uses a newly-developed template-based background method, as well as analysis techniques optimized for observations taken at large zenith angles. No significant excess is found in any region of interest considered. We derive model-independent limits on the dark matter thermally-averaged annihilation cross section which are among the strongest from any indirect detection experiment for TeV-scale masses.