Interacting scalar field dark matter and stepped dark radiation in an extended Wess-Zumino dark radiation model

Abstract

We extend the Wess-Zumino dark radiation (WZDR) model by replacing cold dark matter with scalar field dark matter and introducing a pure momentum coupling between the scalar field and stepped dark radiation. This coupling avoids excessive early-universe damping, thereby preserving the predictive power of the WZDR framework while offering a potential mechanism for exploring the Hubble and $S_8$ tensions.Using a combination of cosmic microwave background, baryon acoustic oscillations, Type Ia supernovae, the SH0ES $H_0$ measurement, Dark Energy Survey Year 3 (DES) $S_8$ data, and Atacama Cosmology Telescope data, we constrain the model. When only one of the SH0ES and DES priors is included, the new model outperforms WZDR in $\chi^2$ and $Q_{\rm DMAP}$; with both priors, it is disfavored. Using the latest cosmological data, we find that at 68% C.L. the coupled model gives $H_0 = 71.08^{+0.73}_{-0.66}$ km/s/Mpc and $S_8 = 0.8162\pm0.0073$, close to the WZDR values of $71.20^{+0.73}_{-0.61}$ and $0.8165^{+0.0078}_{-0.0066}$. Both models raise $H_0$ effectively, but the new model only marginally reduces $S_8$, which remains above the $\Lambda$CDM prediction. The coupling is weak, with $\log_{10}(\xi) < -3.36$ (95% C.L.), and performs worse than WZDR in both $\chi^2$ and AIC. Hence, although it does not fully resolve the tensions, this work provides a useful reference for studies of interacting dark sectors.