The Status of Inelastic Dark Matter

Abstract

In light of recent positive results from the DAMA experiment, as well as new null results from CDMS Soudan, Edelweiss, ZEPLIN-I and CRESST, we reexamine the framework of inelastic dark matter with a standard halo. In this framework, which was originally introduced to reconcile tensions between CDMS and DAMA, dark matter particles can scatter off of nuclei only by making a transition to a nearly degenerate state that is roughly $100 \kev$ heavier. We find that recent data significantly constrains the parameter space of the framework, but that there are still regions consistent with all experimental results. Due to the enhanced annual modulation and dramatically different energy dependence in this scenario, we emphasize the need for greater information on the dates of data taking, and on the energy distribution of signal and background. We also study the specific case of ``mixed sneutrino'' dark matter, and isolate regions of parameter space which are cosmologically interesting for that particular model. A significant improvement in limits by heavy target experiments such as ZEPLIN or CRESST should be able to confirm or exclude the inelastic dark matter scenario in the near future. Within the mixed sneutrino model, an elastic scattering signature should be seen at upcoming germanium experiments, including future results from CDMS Soudan.