"WIMP dark matter in an unusual cosmological history"

Seyda Ipek
Carleton University

Abstract:

One of the most famous dark matter candidates is the weakly interacting massive particles, WIMPs. Our theories for WIMPs rely on a standard cosmological history, in which WIMP particles annihilate into (massless) SM fermions. At some point these annihilations freeze out and the WIMP number density becomes a constant. However, the parameter space for this simple is under increasing scrutiny from various direct detection experiments. I will give an example of a non-standard cosmological history in which the WIMP scenario works as well without being excluded by direct detection experiments.

McDonald Institute seminars bring together experimental and theoretical astroparticle physicists and astronomers. They are held approximately fortnightly, September to November and January to March, and on an ad hoc basis outside of term. They currently take place on Thursdays at 3:30 PM in STI 501 and/or on Zoom. Contact Aaron Vincent if you would like to attend.