Probing the Scalar WIMP-Pion Coupling with the first LUX-ZEPLIN data

TL;DR

This paper reports on a search for WIMP-pion interactions using LUX-ZEPLIN data, setting new upper limits and exploring a less-studied interaction channel relevant for certain dark matter models.

Contribution

First experimental constraints on WIMP-pion couplings using LUX-ZEPLIN data, expanding the scope of dark matter interaction searches.

Findings

No significant excess observed in data.

Set upper limit of $1.5\times10^{-46}$ cm$^2$ at 90% CL for 33 GeV/c$^2$ WIMPs.

Demonstrated the importance of considering WIMP-pion interactions in dark matter models.

Abstract

Weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) may interact with a virtual pion that is exchanged between nucleons. This interaction channel is important to consider in models where the spin-independent isoscalar channel is suppressed. Using data from the first science run of the LUX-ZEPLIN dark matter experiment, containing 60 live days of data in a 5.5~tonne fiducial mass of liquid xenon, we report the results on a search for WIMP-pion interactions. We observe no significant excess and set an upper limit of $1.5\times10^{-46}$~cm$^2$ at a 90\% confidence level for a WIMP mass of 33~GeV/c$^2$ for this interaction.