Dark Matter and SUSY: LEP results

TL;DR

This paper reviews how LEP search results for supersymmetry have set constraints on the properties of neutralino dark matter candidates, especially establishing a lower mass limit of about 37 GeV.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of LEP data to derive indirect constraints on neutralino dark matter, highlighting the assumptions behind the mass limits.

Findings

Lower limit on neutralino mass is approximately 37 GeV.

LEP results impose significant constraints on supersymmetric dark matter models.

Assumptions underlying the mass limits are critically examined.

Abstract

The negative outcome of searches for supersymmetry performed at LEP have been used to derive indirect constraints on the parameters of the most plausible supersymmetric candidates for cold dark matter, in particular for the lightest neutralino. We review the basic ideas leading to the present lower limit on the lightest neutralino mass of about 37 GeV, with emphasis on the underlying assumptions.