arXiv subjects

Jie Sheng

Publications and source records attributed to Jie Sheng.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2025

Nuclear Production and Analytic Attenuation of Energetic MeV Solar Dark Matter

We propose a solar production mechanism of MeV dark matter to overcome the energy threshold in direct detection experiments. In particular, the proton and deuteron fussion to ${}^3 \mathrm{He}$ of the $pp$ chain that produces energetic neutrino and gamma photon with 5.5$\,$MeV of energy release can also produce a pair of dark matter particles. Besides, we establish an analytical formalism of using the Boltzmann equation to study the solar attenuation effect on the produced dark matter flux. The projected sensitivity is illustrated with Argon target at the DarkSide-LowMass experiment.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Enumeration of Finite Distance Monoids

Building on the work of Gabriel Conant, we investigate the enumeration problems of finite distance monoids by applying the decomposition of Archimedean classes and studying their internal arithmetic progressions. Specifically, we first determine the exact value of $DM(n,2)$, which denotes the number of distance monoids on $n$ non-zero elements with Archimedean complexity $2$. This computation allows us to resolve a conjecture of Conant, establishing that the total number $DM(n)$ of distance monoids grows at least exponentially in $n$. Furthermore, we study the asymptotic behavior of $DM(n,n-k)$ for fixed $k$, proving that $DM(n,n-k) = O(n^k)$ and providing an exact formula for $DM(n,n-2)$.

math.CO↗

arXiv2025

Detecting meV-Scale Dark Matter via Coherent Scattering with an Asymmetric Torsion Balance

Dark matter with mass in the crossover range between wave dark matter and particle dark matter, around $(10^{-3},\, 10^3)\,$eV, remains relatively unexplored by terrestrial experiments. In this mass regime, dark matter scatters coherently with macroscopic objects. The effect of the coherent scattering greatly enhances the accelerations of the targets that the dark matter collisions cause by a factor of $\sim 10^{23}$. We propose a novel torsion balance experiment with test bodies of different geometric sizes to detect such dark matter-induced acceleration. This method provides the strongest constraints on the scattering cross-section between the dark matter and a nucleon in the mass range $(10^{-3}, 1)\,$eV.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Féeton ($B-L$ Gauge Boson) Dark Matter Testable in Future Direct Detection Experiments

In this paper, we revisit the féeton (gauge boson of $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry) dark matter scenario, and first point out the $U(1)$ gauge symmetry can be a linear combination of the $B-L$ and the SM hypercharge gauge symmetries. With the redefinition of $B-L$ charge of fermions, the coupling between electron and féeton can be enhanced. After showing the parameter space required from the DM stability and cosmic production, we discuss the potential for verifying them in dark matter direct detection experiments. The results show that future experiments, such as SuperCDMS, have a sensitivity to reach the féeton DM region consistent with its cosmic production.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Detecting a Fifth-Force Gauge Boson via Superconducting Josephson Junctions

A new fifth force between particles carrying $B-L$ charges is well-motivated by the intriguing $U(1)_{B-L}$ extension of the standard model. The gauge boson mediator, Féeton, also serves as a dark matter candidate. In this letter, we propose a novel experimental design to detect the quantum phase difference caused by this fifth force using a superconducting Josephson junction. We find that the experiment has the best sensitivity to the gauge coupling when the gauge boson is within the mass range of $0.01\,$eV to $10\,$eV, which is an interesting mass region for the Féeton dark matter. This opens up a new avenue for the measurement of new physics at small scale below millimeter.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Dark Matter Annihilation via Breit-Wigner Enhancement with Heavier Mediator

We propose a new scenario that both the dark matter freeze-out in the early Universe and its possible annihilation for indirect detection around a supermassive black hole are enhanced by a Breit-Wigner resonance. With the mediator mass larger than the total initial dark matter mass, this annihilation is almost forbidden at late times. Thus, the stringent cosmic microwave background and indirect detection constraints do not apply. However, a supermassive black hole can accelerate the dark matter particles to reactivate this resonant annihilation whose subsequent decay to photons leaves a unique signal. The running Fermi-LAT and the future COSI satellites can test this scenario.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Proposal for a Quantum Mechanical Test of Gravity at Millimeter Scale

The experimental verification of the Newton law of gravity at small scales has been a longstanding challenge. Recently, torsion balance experiments have successfully measured gravitational force at the millimeter scale. However, testing gravity force on quantum mechanical wave function at small scales remains difficult. In this paper, we propose a novel experiment that utilizes the Josephson effect to detect the different evolution of quantum phase induced from the potential difference caused by gravity. We demonstrate that this experiment can test gravity quantum mechanically at the millimeter scale, and also has a potential to investigate the parity invariance of gravity at small scales.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Detecting the Coupling of Axion Dark Matter to Neutron Spins at Spallation Sources via Rabi Oscillation

We propose a novel detection method for axion dark matter using the Rabi oscillation of neutron spins in beam-based measurements. If axions couple to neutron spins, a background oscillating axion dark matter field would drive transitions between spin-up and spin-down neutron states in a magnetic field when the axion particle energy matches the energy gap between the spin states. The transition can be detected in a double-Stern-Gerlach-type apparatus, with the first splitter producing a pure spin-polarized neutron beam and the second splitter selecting spin-flipped signals. Our approach offers enhanced detection capability for axions within the $10^{-12} - 10^{-10} \,$eV mass window with the capability to surpass the sensitivity of current laboratory experiments.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Thermal Relic Right-Handed Neutrino Dark Matter

It is known that two heavy Majorana right-handed neutrinos are sufficient to generate the baryon asymmetry in the present universe. Thus, it is interesting to identify the third right-handed neutrino $N$ with the dark matter. We impose a new discrete symmetry $Z_2$ on this dark matter neutrino to stabilize it. However, the $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge boson $A'$ couples to the right-handed neutrino $N$. If the $B-L$ breaking scale $V_{B-L}$ is sufficiently low, the dark matter neutrino $N$ can be in the thermal bath. We find that the thermal relic $N$ can explain the dark matter abundance for the $B-L$ breaking scale $ V_{B-L} \sim O(10)\,$TeV. After considering all the constraints from the existing experiments, a narrow mass region of the thermal produced right-handed neutrino dark matter $N$ is still surviving.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Féeton ($B-L$ Gauge Boson) Dark Matter for the 511-keV Gamma-Ray Excess and the Prediction of Low-energy Neutrino Flux

The féeton is the gauge boson of the $U(1)_{B-L}$ gauge theory. If the gauge coupling constant is extremely small, it becomes a candidate for dark matter. We show that its decay to a pair of electron and positron explains the observed Galactic 511-keV gamma-ray excess in a consistent manner. This féeton dark matter decays mainly into pairs of neutrino and anti-neutrino. Future low-energy experiments with improved directional capability make it possible to capture those neutrino signals. The seesaw-motivated parameter space predicts a relatively short féeton lifetime comparable to the current cosmological constraint.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Ultraheavy Atomic Dark Matter Freeze-Out through Rearrangement

Atomic dark matter is usually considered to be produced asymmetrically in the early Universe. In this work, we first propose that the symmetric atomic dark matter can be thermally produced through the freeze-out mechanism. The dominant atom anti-atom annihilation channel is the atomic rearrangement. It has a geometrical cross section much larger than that of elementary fermions. After the atomic formation, this annihilation process further depletes dark matter particles and finally freezes out. To give the observed dark matter relic, the dark atoms are naturally ultraheavy, ranging from $10^6$ to $10^{10} \,\mathrm{GeV}$.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Forbidden Dark Matter Combusted Around Supermassive Black Hole

The forbidden dark matter cannot annihilate into a pair of heavier partners, either SM particles or its partners in the dark sector, at the late stage of cosmological evolution by definition. We point out the possibility of reactivating the forbidden annihilation channel around supermassive black holes. Being attracted towards a black hole, the forbidden dark matter is significantly accelerated to overcome the annihilation threshold. The subsequent decay of the annihilation products to photon leaves a unique signal around the black hole, which can serve as a smoking gun for the forbidden dark matter. For illustration, the Fermi-LAT data around Sgr $A^*$ provides a preliminary constraint on the thermally averaged cross section of the reactivated forbidden annihilation that is consistent with the DM relic density requirement.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Right-Handed Neutrino Dark Matter with Forbidden Annihilation

The seesaw mechanism with three right-handed neutrinos has one as a well-motivated dark matter candidate if stable and the other two can explain baryon asymmetry via the thermal leptogenesis scenario. We explore the possibility of introducing additional particles to make the right-handed neutrino dark matter in thermal equilibrium and freeze out through a forbidden annihilation channel. Nowadays in the Universe, this forbidden channel can be reactivated by a strong gravitational potential such as the supermassive black hole in our galaxy center. The Fermi-LAT gamma ray data and dark matter relic density require this right-handed neutrino dark matter to have mass below $100\,$GeV and the existence of an additional boson $ϕ$ that can be tested at future lepton colliders.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

Phase-field simulations of the effect of temperature and interface for zirconium $δ\mbox{-}$hydrides

Hydride precipitation in zirconium cladding materials can damage their integrity and durability.Service temperature and material defects have a significant effect on the dynamic growth of hydrides. In this study, we have developed a phase field model based on the assumption of elastic behaviour within a specific temperature range (613-653K). This model allows us to study the influence of temperature and interfacial effects on the morphology, stress, and average growth rate of zirconium hydride. The results suggest that changes in temperature and interfacial energy influence the aspect ratio and average growth rate of the hydride morphology. The ultimate determinant of hydride orientation is the loss of interfacial coherence, primarily induced by interfacial dislocation defects and quantifiable by the mismatch degree $q$. An escalation in interfacial coherence loss leads to a transition of hydride growth from horizontal to vertical, accompanied by the onset of redirection behaviour. Interestingly, redirection occurs at a critical mismatch level, denoted $q_c$, and remains unaffected by variations in temperature and interfacial energy. However, this redirection leads to an increase in the maximum stress, which may influence the direction of hydride crack propagation. This research highlights the importance of interfacial coherence and provides valuable insights into the morphology and growth kinetics of hydrides in zirconium alloys.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2023

Associated Production of Neutrino and Dark Fermion at Future Lepton Colliders

Fermionic dark matter can be pairly produced and hence searched with missing energy at colliders. We extend such probe to the associated production of a neutrino and a dark sector fermion at the future $e^+ e^-$ colliders such as CEPC, FCC-ee, ILC, and CLIC. Two typical processes, the mono-photon and electron-positron pair productions associated with missing energy, can serve the purpose. While the mono-photon search prevails at CEPC, FCC-ee, and ILC, the $e^+ e^- \met$ channel has more significant contributions at CLIC with much higher collision energy $\sqrt s$. The beam polarizations can help further suppressing the SM backgrounds to enhance the signal significance while differential cross sections can distinguish the Lorentz structure of various effective operators. The combined sensitivity can reach well above $1\tev$ at CEPC/FCC-ee and ILC while it further touches 30\,TeV at CLIC. Comparing with the updated results from the direct detection experiments (XENON1T, PandaX-II, PandaX-4T, LZ, and XENONnT), astrophysical $X/γ$-ray observations, and cosmological constraints for the sub-MeV absorption dark matter, the collider searches are actually more sensitive and hence can provide a complementary approach to addressing the dark fermions.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2023

A Search for Light Fermionic Dark Matter Absorption on Electrons in PandaX-4T

We report a search on a sub-MeV fermionic dark matter absorbed by electrons with an outgoing active neutrino using the 0.63 tonne-year exposure collected by PandaX-4T liquid xenon experiment. No significant signals are observed over the expected background. The data are interpreted into limits to the effective couplings between such dark matter and electrons. For axial-vector or vector interactions, our sensitivity is competitive in comparison to existing astrophysical bounds on the decay of such dark matter into photon final states. In particular, we present the first direct detection limits for an axial-vector (vector) interaction which are the strongest in the mass range from 25 to 45 (35 to 50) keV/c$^2$.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2023

A multiphase-field model for simulating the hydrogen-induced multi-spot corrosion on the surface of polycrystalline metals: Application to uranium metal

Hydrogen-induced multi-spot corrosion on the surface of polycrystalline rare metals is a complex process, which involves the interactions between phases (metal, hydride and oxide), grain orientations, grain boundaries, and corrosion spots. To accurately simulate this process and comprehend the underlying physics, a theoretical method is required that includes the following mechanisms: i) hydrogen diffusion, ii) phase transformation, iii) elastic interactions between phases, especially, the interactions between the oxide film and the hydride, iv) elastic interactions between grains, and v) interactions between hydrogen solutes and grain boundaries. In this study, we report a multiphase-field model that incorporates all these requirements, and conduct a comprehensive study of hydrogen-induced spot corrosion on the uranium metal surface, including the investigation of the oxide film, multi-spot corrosion, grain orientation, and grain boundary in the monocrystal, bicrystal, and polycrystal systems. The results indicate that the oxide film can inhibit the growth of hydrides and plays a crucial role in determining the correct morphology of the hydride at the triple junction of phases. The elastic interaction between multiple corrosion spots causes the merging of corrosion spots and promotes the growth of hydrides. The introduction of grain orientations and grain boundaries results in a variety of intriguing intracrystalline and intergranular hydride morphologies. The model presented here is generally applicable to the hydrogen-induced multi-spot corrosion on any rare metal surface.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2022

Solar Active-Sterile Neutrino Conversion with Atomic Effects at Dark Matter Direct Detection Experiments

The recent XENON1T excess can be explained by the solar active-sterile neutrino conversion with bound electrons via light mediator. Nevertheless, the atomic effects are usually omitted in the solar neutrino explanations. We systematically establish a second quantization formalism for both bound and ionized electrons to account for the atomic effects. This formalism is of great generality to incorporate various interactions for both neutrino and dark matter scatterings. Our calculation shows that the change in the cross section due to atomic effects can have important impact on the differential cross section. It is necessary to include atomic effects in the low-energy electron recoil signal at dark matter direct detection experiments even for energetic solar neutrinos. With the best-fit values to the XENON1T data, we also project the event rate at PandaX-4T, XENONnT, and LZ experiments.

hep-ph↗