Indirect Evidence for WIMP Annihilation from Diffuse Galactic Gamma Rays

TL;DR

The paper presents evidence from EGRET gamma-ray data suggesting a dark matter WIMP annihilation signal, characterized by a consistent spectrum, a specific spatial profile, and a ring structure at 14 kpc, consistent with supersymmetric models.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive analysis linking the EGRET gamma-ray excess to WIMP annihilation, including spectral, spatial, and structural evidence, supporting dark matter detection claims.

Findings

EGRET excess matches WIMP annihilation predictions

A 14 kpc ring correlates with a stellar infall event

WIMP mass estimated between 50 and 100 GeV

Abstract

The EGRET excess in the diffuse galactic gamma ray data above 1 GeV shows all the features expected from Dark Matter WIMP Annihilation: a)it is present and has the same spectrum in all sky directions, not just in the galactic plane. b) The intensity of the excess shows the $1/r^2$ profile expected for a flat rotation curve outside the galactic disc with additionally an interesting substructure in the disc in the form of a doughnut shaped ring at 14 kpc from the centre of the galaxy. At this radius a ring of stars indicates the probable infall of a dwarf galaxy, which can explain the increase in DM density. From the spectral shape of the excess the WIMP mass is estimated to be between 50 and 100 GeV, while from the intensity the halo profile is reconstructed. Given the mass and intensity of the WIMP's the mass of the ring can be calculated, which is shown to explain the peculiar change of slope in the rotation curve at about 11 kpc. These signals of Dark Matter Annihilation are compatible with Supersymmetry and have a statistical significance of more than 10 stnadard deviations in comparison with a fit of the conventional galactic model to the EGRET data. The statistical significance combined with all features mentioned above provide an intriguing hint that the EGRET excess is indeed a signal from Dark Matter Annihilation.