Resonant SIMP dark matter

We consider a resonant SIMP dark matter in models with two singlet complex scalar fields charged under a local dark $U(1)_D$. After the $U(1)_D$ is broken down to a $Z_5$ discrete subgroup, the lighter scalar field becomes a SIMP dark matter which has the enhanced $3\rightarrow 2$ annihilation cross section near the resonance of the heavier scalar field. Bounds on the SIMP self-scattering cross section and the relic density can be fulfilled at the same time for perturbative couplings of SIMP. A small gauge kinetic mixing between the SM hypercharge and dark gauge bosons can be used to make SIMP dark matter in kinetic equilibrium with the SM during freeze-out.Comment: 14 pages, 5 figures, Improved discussion on thermal-averaged annihilation cross sectio

Inflection point inflation and reheating

We revisit the inflection point inflation with an extended discussion to large field values and consider the reheating effects on the inflationary predictions. Parametrizing the reheating dynamics in terms of the reheating temperature and the equation of state during inflation, we show how the observationally favored parameter space of inflection point inflation is affected by reheating dynamics. Consequently, we apply the general results to the inflation models with non-minimal coupling, such as the SM Higgs inflation and the $B-L$ Higgs inflation.Comment: 27 pages, 8 figures, Improved discussion on general inflection point inflatio

SIMP dark matter and its cosmic abundances

We give a review on the thermal average of the annihilation cross-sections for $3\rightarrow 2$ and general higher-order processes. Thermal average of higher order annihilations highly depend on the velocity of dark matter, especially, for the case with resonance poles. We show such examples for scalar dark matter in gauged $Z_3$ models.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, Prepared for the proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Gravitation, 3-7 July 201

Cosmic abundances of SIMP dark matter

Thermal production of light dark matter with sub-GeV scale mass can be attributed to $3\rightarrow 2$ self-annihilation processes. We consider the thermal average for annihilation cross sections of dark matter at $3\rightarrow 2$ and general higher-order interactions. A correct thermal average for initial dark matter particles is important, in particular, for annihilation cross sections with overall velocity dependence and/or resonance poles. We apply our general results to benchmark models for SIMP dark matter and discuss the effects of the resonance pole in determining the relic density.Comment: 21 pages, 6 figures, Version to appear in Journal of High Energy Physic

Forbidden Channels and SIMP Dark Matter

In this review, we focus on dark matter production from thermal freeze-out with forbidden channels and SIMP processes. We show that forbidden channels can be dominant to produce dark matter depending on the dark photon and / or dark Higgs mass compared to SIMP.Comment: 5 pages, Prepared for the proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Gravitation, 3-7 July 201

On thermal production of self-interacting dark matter

We consider thermal production mechanisms of self-interacting dark matter in models with gauged $Z_3$ symmetry. A complex scalar dark matter is stabilized by the $Z_3$, that is the remnant of a local dark $U(1)_d$. Light dark matter with large self-interaction can be produced from thermal freeze-out in the presence of SM-annihilation, SIMP and/or forbidden channels. We show that dark photon and/or dark Higgs should be relatively light for unitarity and then assist the thermal freeze-out. We identify the constraints on the parameter space of dark matter self-interaction and mass in cases that one or some of the channels are important in determining the relic density.Comment: 26 pages, 11 figures, Version to appear in Journal of High Energy Physic

Vector SIMP dark matter with approximate custodial symmetry

We consider a novel scenario for Vector Strongly Interacting Massive Particle (VSIMP) dark matter with local $SU(2)_X\times U(1)_{Z'}$ symmetry in the dark sector. Similarly to the Standard Model, after the dark symmetry is broken spontaneously by the VEVs of dark Higgs fields, the approximate custodial symmetry determines comparable but split masses for $SU(2)_X$ gauge bosons. In this model, we show that $U(1)_{Z'}$-charged gauge boson of $SU(2)_X$ ($X_\pm$) becomes a natural candidate for SIMP dark matter, annihilating through $3\rightarrow 2$ or forbidden $2\rightarrow 2$ annihilations due to gauge self-interactions. On the other hand, the $U(1)_{Z'}$-neutral gauge boson of $SU(2)_X$ achieves the kinetic equilibrium of dark matter through a gauge kinetic mixing between $U(1)_{Z'}$ and Standard Model. We present the parameter space for the correct relic density in our model and discuss in detail the current constraints and projections from colliders and direct detection experiments.Comment: 32 pages, 10 figures, Version to appear in Journal of High Energy Physic

Unitary inflaton as decaying dark matter

We consider the inflation model of a singlet scalar field (sigma field) with both quadratic and linear non-minimal couplings where unitarity is ensured up to the Planck scale. We assume that a $Z_2$ symmetry for the sigma field is respected by the scalar potential in Jordan frame but it is broken explicitly by the linear non-minimal coupling due to quantum gravity. We discuss the impacts of the linear non-minimal coupling on various dynamics from inflation to low energy, such as a sizable tensor-to-scalar ratio, a novel reheating process with quartic potential dominance, and suppressed physical parameters in the low energy, etc. In particular, the linear non-minimal coupling leads to the linear couplings of the sigma field to the Standard Model through the trace of the energy-momentum tensor in Einstein frame. Thus, regarding the sigma field as a decaying dark matter, we consider the non-thermal production mechanisms for dark matter from the decays of Higgs and inflaton condensate and show the parameter space that is compatible with the correct relic density and cosmological constraints.Comment: 36 pages, 7 figures, v2: minor corrections made and references added, v3: discussion on preheating added, accepted for Journal of High Energy Physics, v4: Lyman-alpha bound included and inflationary predictions refined for perturbative reheatin