Rapid Bound State Formation of Dark Matter in the Early Universe

The formation and decay of dark matter (DM) bound states deplete the thermal relic density during the chemical decoupling process, allowing for larger DM masses. While so far the bound state formation (BSF) has been described via the emission of an on-shell mediator, we point out that this particula...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2020-04, Vol.124 (16), p.161102-161102, Article 161102
Main Authors: Binder, Tobias, Mukaida, Kyohei, Petraki, Kalliopi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astrophysics
Dark matter
Decoupling
High Energy Physics - Phenomenology
High Energy Physics - Theory
Physics
Universe
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Summary:The formation and decay of dark matter (DM) bound states deplete the thermal relic density during the chemical decoupling process, allowing for larger DM masses. While so far the bound state formation (BSF) has been described via the emission of an on-shell mediator, we point out that this particular process does not have to be the dominant one in general. If the mediator is coupled in a direct way to any relativistic species present in the early Universe, we demonstrate that BSF can much more efficiently occur through particle scattering. Consequently, DM can be heavier than previously expected.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.124.161102