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arXiv · 1607.01468

Dark matter, light mediators, and the neutrino floor

James B. Dent·Bhaskar Dutta·Jayden L. Newstead·Louis E. Strigari
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Abstract

We analyze future direct data matter detection experiments using Effective Field Theory (EFT) operators with light, $\lesssim 100$ MeV mass mediators. We compare the nuclear recoil energy spectra from these operators to the predicted high energy solar neutrino spectrum. A set of operators that generate spectra similar to the neutrino background is identified, however this set is distinct from those that mimic the neutrino background for heavy, $\gtrsim 100$ MeV mass mediators. We outline a general classification scheme based on momentum dependence of the dark matter-nucleus interaction to determine how strong the discovery limit for a given operator saturates in the presence of the neutrino background. Our results highlight the benefit of considering a general theoretical framework regarding dark matter, and motivate continued experimental progress towards lower nuclear recoil energy thresholds.

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James B. Dent, Bhaskar Dutta, Jayden L. Newstead, Louis E. Strigari. 2016-07-06. Dark matter, light mediators, and the neutrino floor. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.95.051701

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