Multiparticle scalar dark matter with $\mathbb{Z}_N$ symmetry

TL;DR

This paper explores models with multiple scalar dark matter particles stabilized by a $ olinebreak ext{Z}_N$ symmetry, analyzing their relic densities, phenomenology, and experimental constraints for both WIMP and pFIMP cases.

Contribution

It systematically investigates the conditions for two scalar DM components under $ ext{Z}_N$ symmetry, including phenomenological implications and experimental constraints.

Findings

Two scalar DM components can coexist under $ ext{Z}_N$ symmetry.

Distinct parameter spaces for single and two-component DM scenarios.

WIMP-WIMP and WIMP-pFIMP cases show different phenomenological features.

Abstract

More than one dark sector particle transforming under the same symmetry provides one stable dark matter (DM) component which undergoes co-annihilation with the heavier particle(s) decaying to DM. Specific assumptions on the kinematics and on the coupling parameters may render the heavier component(s) stable and contribute as DM. The choices of the charges of the dark sector fields under transformation play a crucial role in the resultant phenomenology. In this paper, we systematically address the possibility of obtaining two scalar DM components under $\mathbb{Z}_N$ symmetry. We consider both the possibilities of DM being weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) or pseudofeebly interacting massive particle (pFIMP). We elaborate upon $\mathbb{Z}_3$ symmetric model, confronting the relic density allowed parameter space with recent most direct and indirect search bounds and prospects. We also highlight the possible distinction of the allowed parameter space in single component and two component cases, as well as between WIMP-WIMP and WIMP-pFIMP scenarios.