Feasibility studies of dark photon searches with the J-PET detector

TL;DR

This study explores the potential of the J-PET detector to search for dark matter candidates through invisible decays of positronium, using simulations to evaluate detection capabilities.

Contribution

It presents the first feasibility analysis of using the J-PET detector for dark matter searches via positronium decay, incorporating Monte Carlo simulations.

Findings

Preliminary results indicate the detector's potential to identify invisible decay events.

Simulations show the detector can distinguish dark matter decay signals from background.

The study establishes a basis for future experimental searches for dark matter with J-PET.

Abstract

The positronium, a bound state of electron and positron is a unique system to perform highly precise tests, due to no hadronic background and precise Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) predictions. Being a system of lepton and antilepton, its properties are precisely described by QED in the Standard Model (SM). The final events topology can be simulated using Monte Carlo techniques. The J-PET detector is a multi-purpose, large acceptance system that is very well-suitable to the studies of positronium decay due to its excellent angular (1$^o$) and timing resolutions. \\ We present preliminary results on the feasibility of searching for Dark Matter (DM) candidates in the decay o-Ps $\rightarrow$ invisible with the J-PET, which is well suited for the detection of positronium decay products. Toy Monte Carlo simulations have been prepared to incorporate DM decay models to the o-Ps decay expectations in order to assess the detector capabilities to search for such an elusive component of our Universe.