Electroweak phase transition in a vector dark matter scenario

TL;DR

This paper investigates a minimal Standard Model extension with a non-abelian gauge group, analyzing its potential for a first-order electroweak phase transition compatible with vector dark matter and detectable gravitational waves.

Contribution

It introduces a novel minimal model with a non-abelian gauge sector, exploring its phase transition properties and dark matter viability in a unified framework.

Findings

First-order phase transition achievable in the model.

Gauge bosons can serve as stable dark matter candidates.

Predicted gravitational wave signals within future detection sensitivity.

Abstract

This study explores the parameter space of a minimal extension of the Standard Model with a non-abelian $SU(2)$ group, in which the gauge bosons are stable and acquire mass through a mechanism of spontaneous symmetry breaking involving a new scalar doublet which interacts with the Higgs boson through a quartic coupling. The exploration aims to assess whether it is possible to obtain a first-order phase transition while ensuring that the gauge bosons are viable dark matter candidates. Theoretical, astrophysical and collider bounds are considered. The results are then tested against the sensitivity of future experiments for the detection of gravitational wave signals.