Connecting Low scale Seesaw for Neutrino Mass and Inelastic sub-GeV Dark Matter with Abelian Gauge Symmetry

We propose low scale seesaw scenarios for light neutrino masses within $U(1)_X$ gauge extension of the standard model that also predicts stable as well as long lived dark matter candidates. The new fields necessary for seesaw realisations as well as dark matter are charged under the $U(1)_X$ gauge symmetry in an anomaly free way. A singlet scalar field which effectively gives rise to lepton number violation and hence Majorana light neutrino masses either at tree or radiative level, also splits the dark matter field into two quasi-degenerate particles. While non-zero neutrino mass and non-zero dark matter mass splitting are related in this way, the phenomenology of sub-GeV scale inelastic dark matter can be very rich if the mass splitting is of keV scale. We show that for suitable parameter space, both the components with keV splitting can contribute total dark matter density in the present universe, while opening up the possibility of the heavier dark matter candidate to undergo down-scattering with electrons. We check the parameter space of the model for both fermion and scalar inelastic dark matter which can give rise to the recent excess of electron recoil events reported by the XENON1T experiment while being consistent with other phenomenological bounds. We also discuss the general scenario where mass splitting between two dark matter components can be larger, effectively giving rise to a single component dark matter scenario.Comment: 34 pages, 14 figure

Gauged Le−Lμ−LτL_e-L_{\mu}-L_{\tau} symmetry, fourth generation, neutrino mass and dark matter

We present two models where the familiar leptonic symmetry $L_e-L_\mu-L_\tau$ is a gauge symmetry. We show how anomaly cancellation constrains the allowed theories, with one of them requiring a fourth sequential chiral standard model fermion generation and a second one with three generations, requiring gauging of $(L_e-L_\mu-L_\tau)-(B_1-B_2-B_3)$ with $B_a$ representing the baryon number of the $a$th generation quarks. Unlike global $L_e-L_\mu-L_\tau$ models which always leads to inverted mass hierarchy for neutrinos, the gauged version can lead to normal hierarchy. We show how to construct realistic models in both the cases and discuss the dark matter candidate in both. In our model, the breaking of $U(1)_{L_e-L_\mu-L_\tau}$ is responsible for neutrino mass via type-I mechanism whereas the real part of $U(1)_{L_e-L_\mu-L_\tau}$ breaking scalar field (called $\phi$ here) plays the role of freeze-in dark matter candidate. Since $\phi$ is unstable, for it to qualify as dark matter, its lifetime must be larger than the age of the Universe, implying that the relic of $\phi$ is generated through freeze-in mechanism and its mass must be less than an MeV. We also discuss the possibility of explaining both muon and electron $(g-2)$ while being consistent with the dark matter relic density and lifetime constraints.Comment: 31 pages, 10 captioned figures, Accepted for publication in Phys. Lett.

Inelastic Fermion Dark Matter Origin of XENON1T Excess with Muon (g−2)(g-2) and Light Neutrino Mass

Motivated by the recently reported excess in electron recoil events by the XENON1T collaboration, we propose an inelastic fermion dark matter (DM) scenario within the framework of a gauged $L_{\mu}-L_{\tau}$ extension of the standard model which can also accommodate tiny neutrino masses as well as anomalous muon magnetic moment $(g-2)_{\mu}$. A Dirac fermion DM, naturally stabilised due to its chosen gauge charge, is split into two pseudo-Dirac mass eigenstates due to Majorana mass term induced by singlet scalar which also takes part in generating right handed neutrino masses responsible for type I seesaw origin of light neutrino masses. The inelastic down scattering of heavier DM component can give rise to the XENON1T excess for keV scale mass splitting with lighter DM component. We fit our model with XENON1T data and also find the final parameter space by using bounds from $(g-2)_{\mu}$, DM relic, lifetime of heavier DM, inelastic DM-electron scattering rate, neutrino trident production rate as well as other flavour physics, astrophysical and cosmological observations. A tiny parameter space consistent with all these bounds and requirements will face further scrutiny in near future experiments operating at different frontiers.Comment: Version 3: 8 pages, 3 figures; matches version accepted for publication in Phys. Lett.

Phenomenology of the flavor symmetric scoto-seesaw model with dark matter and TM1_1 mixing

We propose a hybrid scoto-seesaw model based on the $A_4$ non-Abelian discrete flavor symmetry. Light neutrino masses come from the tree-level type-I seesaw mechanism and from the one-loop scotogenic contribution accommodating viable dark matter candidates responsible for observed relic abundance of dark matter (DM). Respectively, both these contributions restore the atmospheric and solar neutrino mass scales. With only one right-handed neutrino, the model features specific predictions with the normal ordering of light neutrino masses, the lightest neutrino being massless, and only one relevant CP Majorana phase. The flavor symmetric setup helps us to realize the TM$_1$ mixing scheme with concrete correlations and constraints on the mixing angles and associated CP phases. The framework predicts the atmospheric mixing angle to be in the upper octant with specific ranges $0.531 (0.580) \leq \sin^2\theta_{23}\leq 0.544 (0.595)$ and the Dirac CP phase is restricted within the range $\pm(1.44-1.12)$ radian. The Majorana phase is also tightly constrained with a range of $0.82-0.95$ and $1.58-1.67$ radian, which is otherwise unconstrained from neutrino oscillations. Strict predictions on the Majorana phases also yield an accurate prediction for the effective mass parameter for neutrinoless double beta within the range of $1.61-3.85$ meV. The model offers a rich phenomenology regarding DM relic density and direct search constraints, and the fermionic DM scenario has been discussed in detail, estimating its possible connection with the neutrino sector. As an example of the model studies at colliders, the SM Higgs in the diphoton decay channel is examined. The model predicts strictly vanishing $\tau \to e\gamma$, $\tau \rightarrow 3e$ decays and testable signals by MEG-II and SINDRUM/Mu3e experiments for the $\mu \to e \gamma$ and $\mu \to 3 e$ decays, respectively.Comment: 42 pages, 16 figure

Singlet-Doublet Self-interacting Dark Matter and Radiative Neutrino Mass

Self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) with a light mediator is a promising scenario to alleviate the small-scale problems of the cold dark matter paradigm while being consistent with the latter at large scales, as suggested by astrophysical observations. This, however, leads to an under-abundant SIDM relic due to large annihilation rates into mediator particles, often requiring an extension of the simplest thermal or non-thermal relic generation mechanism. In this work, we consider a singlet-doublet fermion dark matter scenario where the singlet fermion with a light scalar mediator gives rise to the velocity-dependent dark matter self-interaction through a Yukawa type attractive potential. The doublet fermion, by virtue of its tiny mixing with the singlet, can be long-lived and can provide a non-thermal contribution to the singlet relic at late epochs, filling the deficit in the thermal relic of singlet SIDM. The light scalar mediator, due to its mixing with the standard model Higgs, paves the path for detecting such SIDM at terrestrial laboratories leading to constraints on model parameters from CRESST-III and XENON1T experiments. Enlarging the dark sector particles by two more singlet fermions and one scalar doublet, all odd under an unbroken $\mathcal{Z}_2$ symmetry can also explain non-zero neutrino mass in scotogenic fashion.Comment: 17 pages, 16 captioned figures, Version accepted for publication in PR

Scotogenic U(1)Lμ−LτU(1)_{L_{\mu}-L_{\tau}} origin of (g−2)μ(g-2)_\mu, W-mass anomaly and 95 GeV excess

We study a scotogenic extension of the minimal gauged $L_{\mu}-L_{\tau}$ model, including three right-handed singlet fermions and a scalar doublet all odd under an in-built $Z_2$ symmetry to explain the anomalous magnetic moments of the muon, CDF-II W-mass anomaly, and the 95 GeV excess reported by the CMS collaboration. While the minimal model can successfully explain the muon $(g-2)$ and CDF-II W-mass anomalies, the required diphoton signal strength for the 95 GeV scalar, together with that of the SM Higgs, can not be obtained in the minimal model. The same can, however, be explained by incorporating two additional scalar doublets whose only role is to contribute radiatively to diphoton decay modes of the light, neutral scalars. Due to the scotogenic extension, the model remains consistent with the observed properties of light neutrinos and dark matter in the Universe.Comment: 13 pages, 9 captioned figure

Self-interacting dark matter and the GRB221009A event

In this work, we explore the intriguing possibility of connecting self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) with the recently observed exceptionally bright and long-duration Gamma Ray Burst (GRB221009A). The proposed minimal scenario involves a light scalar mediator, simultaneously enabling dark matter (DM) self-interaction and explaining the observed very high energy (VHE) photons from GRB221009A reported by LHAASO's data. The scalar's mixing with the standard model (SM) Higgs boson allows for its production at the GRB site, which will then propagate escaping attenuation by the extra-galactic background light (EBL). These scalars, if highly boosted, have the potential to explain LHAASO's data. Moreover, the same mixing also facilitates DM-nucleon or DM-electron scatterings at terrestrial detectors, linking SIDM phenomenology to the GRB221009A events. This manuscript presents the parameter space meeting all constraints and offers an exciting opportunity to explore SIDM in future direct search experiments using insights from the GRB observation.Comment: 8 pages, 6 captioned figures, this version is accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Self Interacting Dark Matter and Dirac neutrinos via Lepton Quarticity

In this paper, we put forward a connection between the self-interacting dark matter and the Dirac nature of neutrinos. Our exploration involves a $Z_4 \otimes Z_4'$ discrete symmetry, wherein the Dirac neutrino mass is produced through a type-I seesaw mechanism. This symmetry not only contributes to the generation of the Dirac neutrino mass but also facilitates the realization of self-interacting dark matter with a light mediator that can alleviate small-scale anomalies of the $\Lambda {\rm CDM}$ while being consistent with the latter at large scales, as suggested by astrophysical observations. Thus the stability of the DM and Dirac nature of neutrinos are shown to stem from the same underlying symmetry. The model also features additional relativistic degrees of freedom $\Delta N_{\rm eff}$ of either thermal or non-thermal origin, within the reach of cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiment providing a complementary probe in addition to the detection prospects of DM.Comment: 13 pages, 13 captioned figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.