X-ray lines and self-interacting dark matter

We study the correlation between a monochromatic signal from annihilating dark matter and its self-interacting cross section. We apply our argument to a complex scalar dark sector, where the pseudo-scalar plays the role of a warm dark matter candidate while the scalar mediates its interaction with the Standard Model. We combine the recent observation of the cluster Abell 3827 for self-interacting dark matter and the constraints on the annihilation cross section for monochromatic X-ray lines. We also confront our model to a set of recent experimental analyses and find that such an extension can naturally produce a monochromatic keV signal corresponding to recent observations of Perseus or Andromeda while in the meantime predicts self-interacting cross section of the order of $\sigma / m\simeq0.1-1~\mathrm{cm^2/g}$ as recently claimed in the observation of the cluster Abell 3827. We also propose a way to distinguish such models by future direct detection techniques.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figure

The Case for an EeV Gravitino

We consider the possibility that supersymmetry is broken above the inflationary mass scale and that the only "low" energy remnant of supersymmetry is the gravitino with mass of order the EeV scale. The gravitino in this class of models becomes a candidate for the dark matter of the Universe. To avoid the over-production of gravitinos from the decays of the next-to-lightest supersymmetric particle we argue that the supersymmetric spectrum must lie above the inflationary mass scale ($M_{\rm SUSY} > 10^{-5} M_{\rm P} \sim 10^{13}$ GeV). Since $m_{3/2} \simeq M_{\rm SUSY}^2/M_{\rm P}$, we expect $m_{3/2} \gtrsim 0.2$ EeV. Cosmological constraints then predict a relatively large reheating temperature between $10^{10}$ and $10^{12}$ GeV.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figure. Dedicated to the memory of Pierre Binetru

Impact of Dark Matter Direct and Indirect Detection on Simplified Dark Matter Models

We discuss simple extensions of the Standard Model featuring a (fermionic) stable DM candidate interacting with SM fermions through a $Z^{'}$ mediator. These kind of models offer a wide phenomenology but result, at the same time, particularly manageable, given the limited number of free-parameters, and offer a broad LHC phenomenology. We will discuss the impact Direct and Indirect Dark Matter searches, assuming the latter to be thermal WIMPs. We will show in particular that the combinations of the limits on the DM Spin Independent and Spin Dependent scattering cross-section on nuclei already exclude large portions of the parameter space favored by DM relic density, in particular if, in addition, a DM Indirect signal, like the Galactic Center gamma-ray excess is required.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures. To appear as proceeding of the conference HEP-EPS 2015, Wien (Austria

SUSY Phenomenology of KKLT Flux Compactifications

We study SUSY phenomenology of the KKLT (Kachru-Kallosh-Linde-Trivedi) scenario of string theory compactifications with fluxes. This setup leads to a specific pattern of soft masses and distinct phenomenological properties. In particular, it avoids the cosmological gravitino/moduli problems. Remarkably, the model allows for the correct abundance of SUSY dark matter consistently with all experimental constraints including the bound on the Higgs mass, b-->s gamma, etc. This occurs for both small and large tan beta, and requires the SUSY spectrum above 1 TeV.Comment: 23 pages, 8 figures; v2: erratum attache

Direct and Indirect Detection of Dark Matter in Heterotic Orbifold Models

We study the neutralino dark matter phenomenology in the context of effective field theories derived from the weakly--coupled heterotic string. We consider in particular direct detection and indirect detection with neutrino telescopes rates. The two cases of moduli dominated and dilaton dominated SUSY breaking lead to completely different phenomenologies. Even if in both cases relic density constraints can be fulfilled, moduli domination generically leads to detection rates which are much below the present and future experimental sensitivities, whereas dilaton domination gives high detection rates accessible to the next generation of experiments. This could make dark matter searches an alternative way to constrain high energy fundamental parameters.Comment: 29 pages, 13 figures. Notations clarified, figures improved, typos and english correcte

Generating X-ray lines from annihilating dark matter

We propose different scenarios where a keV dark matter annihilates to produce a monochromatic signal. The process is generated through the exchange of a light scalar of mass of order 300 keV - 50 MeV coupling to photon through loops or higher dimensional operators. For natural values of the couplings and scales, the model can generate a gamma-ray line which can fit with the recently identified 3.5 keV X-ray line.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figure

Radiative Production of Non-thermal Dark Matter

We compare dark matter production from the thermal bath in the early universe with its direct production through the decay of the inflaton. We show that even if dark matter does not possess a direct coupling with the inflaton, Standard Model loop processes may be sufficient to generate the correct relic abundance.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figure