Even SIMP miracles are possible

Xiaoyong Chu, Marco Nikolic, Josef Pradler

Publications: Working paperPreprint

Abstract

Strongly interacting massive particles $\pi$ have been advocated as prominent dark matter candidates when they regulate their relic abundance through odd-numbered $3 \pi \to2\pi$ annihilation. We show that successful freeze-out may also be achieved through even-numbered interactions $X X \to \pi \pi $ once bound states $X$ among the particles of the low-energy spectrum exist. In addition, $X$-formation hosts the potential of also catalyzing odd-numbered $3 \pi \to2\pi$ annihilation processes, turning them into effective two-body processes $\pi X \to \pi\pi$. Bound states are often a natural consequence of strongly interacting theories. We calculate the dark matter freeze-out and comment on the cosmic viability and possible extensions. Candidate theories can encompass confining sectors without a mass gap, glueball dark matter, or $\phi^3$ and $\phi^4$ theories with strong Yukawa or self-interactions.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jan 2024

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 103034 Particle physics

Keywords

  • hep-ph
  • astro-ph.HE

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