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Jong-Chul Park

Publications and source records attributed to Jong-Chul Park.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
arXiv2024

New Search for Dark Matter with Neutrons at Neutrino Detectors

Large-volume neutrino experiments are ideal for testing boosted dark matter (BDM) scenarios. We propose, for the first time, an approach to utilize knockout neutrons by detecting de-excitation $γ$ rays and coincident captured neutrons from dark-matter interactions with bound neutrons in oxygen, while previous studies have focused on knockout-protons and electrons. This method is especially crucial for water Čerenkov detectors, where high proton Čerenkov threshold ($\sim$1 GeV) suppresses signal acceptance. Recently, Super-Kamiokande (SK) was doped with 0.03\% gadolinium (SK-Gd) to enhance neutron tagging efficiency. Using SK-Gd as a target experiment, we demonstrate that this method increases sensitivity to BDM models by an order of magnitude compared to proton-based analysis, and it allows exploration of a wider range of light dark-matter models previously inaccessible with proton-based analysis. We also present the projected sensitivity for the upcoming Hyper-Kamiokande detector.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2024

Constraints on cosmic-ray boosted dark matter with realistic cross section

Sub-MeV cold dark-matter particles are unable to produce electronic recoil in conventional dark-matter direct detection experiments such as XENONnT and LUX-ZEPLIN above the detector threshold. The mechanism of boosted dark matter comes into picture to constrain the parameter space of such low mass dark matter from direct detection experiments. We consider the effect of the leading components of cosmic rays to boost the cold dark matter, which results in significant improvements on the exclusion limits compared to the existing ones. To present concrete study results, we choose to work on models consisting of a dark-matter particle $χ$ with an additional $U(1)'$ gauge symmetry including the secluded dark photon, $U(1)_{B-L}$, and $U(1)_{L_e-L_μ}$. We find that the energy dependence of the scattering cross section plays a crucial role in improving the constraints. In addition, we systematically estimate the Earth shielding effect on boosted dark matter in losing energy while traveling to the underground detector through the Earth.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2023

Warm Surprises from Cold Duets: N-Body Simulations with Two-Component Dark Matter

We explore extensive N-body simulations with two-component cold dark matter candidates. We delve into the temperature evolution, power spectrum, density perturbation, and maximum circular velocity functions. We find that the substantial mass difference between the two candidates and the annihilation of the heavier components to the lighter ones effectively endow the latter with warm dark matter-like behavior, taking advantage of all distinct features that warm dark matter candidates offer, without observational bounds on the warm dark matter mass. Moreover, we demonstrate that the two-component dark matter model aligns well with observational data, providing valuable insights into where and how to search for the elusive dark matter candidates in terrestrial experiments.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2023

New method to revisit the gravitational lensing analysis of the Bullet Cluster using radio waves

Gravitational lensing studies of the Bullet Cluster suggested convincingly in favor of the existence of dark matter. However, it was performed without the knowledge of the original orientation of each galaxy before gravitational lensing. A potential improvement to this issue lies in the measurement of the original orientation from the polarization direction of radio waves emitted from each galaxy. In this context, Francfort et al. derived a formula that can utilize the information about the original orientation of each galaxy to obtain what is called {\it shear}. However, we demonstrate that shear in their formula should be replaced by {\it reduced shear} when the change in sizes of images of galaxies is taken into account. As the previous gravitational lensing analysis of the Bullet Cluster used reduced shear, we suggest applying our improved formula directly for the reanalysis once we obtain the polarization direction of radio waves. In particular, we show that our new formula can yield a more accurate analysis than the previous one, if the polarization direction can be measured more precisely than $10^\circ$. Moreover, the approach discussed in this work is generically applicable to the gravitational lensing analysis of clusters, not only limited to the Bullet Cluster.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2023

Physics Potential of a Few Kiloton Scale Neutrino Detector at a Deep Underground Lab in Korea

The demand for underground labs for neutrino and rare event search experiments has been increasing over the last few decades. Yemilab, constructed in October 2022, is the first deep ($\sim$1~km) underground lab dedicated to science in Korea, where a large cylindrical cavern (D: 20~m, H: 20~m) was excavated in addition to the main caverns and halls. The large cavern could be utilized for a low background neutrino experiment by a liquid scintillator-based detector (LSC) where a 2.26 kiloton LS target would be filled. It's timely to have such a large but ultra-pure LS detector after the shutdown of the Borexino experiment so that solar neutrinos can be measured much more precisely. Interesting BSM physics searches can be also pursued with this detector when it's combined with an electron linac, a proton cyclotron (IsoDAR source), or a radioactive source. This article discusses the concept of a candidate detector and the physics potential of a large liquid scintillator detector.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2023

Probing Non-Standard Neutrino Interactions with Interference: Insights from Dark Matter and Neutrino Experiments

Neutrino-electron scattering experiments play a crucial role in investigating the non-standard interactions of neutrinos. In certain models, these interactions can include interference terms that may affect measurements. Next-generation direct detection experiments, designed primarily for dark-matter searches, are also getting sensitive to probe the neutrino properties. We utilise the data from XENONnT, a direct detection experiment, and Borexino, a low-energy solar neutrino experiment, to investigate the impact of interference on non-standard interactions. Our study considers models with an additional $U(1)$, including $U(1)_{B-L}$, $U(1)_{L_e-L_μ}$, and $U(1)_{L_e-L_τ}$, to investigate the impact of interference on non-standard neutrino interactions. We demonstrate that this interference can lead to a transition between the considered non-standard interaction models in the energy range relevant to both the XENONnT and Borexino experiments. This transition can be used to distinguish among the considered models if any signals are observed at direct detection or neutrino experiments. Our findings underscore the importance of accounting for the interference and incorporating both direct detection and solar neutrino experiments to gain a better understanding of neutrino interactions and properties.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2022

Understanding Galaxy Rotation Curves with Verlinde's Emergent Gravity

We present the results from the analysis of galaxy rotation curves with Verlinde's emergent gravity. We use the data in the SPARC (Spitzer Photometry and Accurate Rotation Curves) database, which contains a sample of 175 nearby disk galaxies with 3.6 $μ$m surface photometry and rotation curves. We compute the gravitational acceleration at different galactocentric radii expected from the baryon distribution of the galaxies with the emergent gravity, and compare it with the observed gravitational acceleration derived from galactic rotation curves. The predicted and observed accelerations agree well with a mean offset $μ{\rm [log(g_{obs})-log(g_{Ver})]}=-0.060\pm0.004$ and a scatter $σ{\rm [log(g_{obs})-log(g_{Ver})]}=0.137\pm0.004$ by assuming a de Sitter universe. These offset and scatter become smaller when we assume a more realistic universe, quasi de Sitter universe, as $μ=-0.027\pm0.003$ and $σ=0.129\pm0.003$. Our results suggest that Verlinde's emergent gravity could be a good solution to the missing mass problem without introducing dark matter.

gr-qc↗
arXiv2022

Phenomenological implications on a hidden sector from the Festina Lente bound

We apply the Festina Lente (FL) bound on a hidden sector with $U(1)$ gauge symmetries. Since the FL bound puts a lower bound on masses of particles charged under the $U(1)$ gauge symmetries, it is possible to constrain the hidden sector even with a tiny coupling to the Standard Model. In particular, we focus on the phenomenological implications of the FL bound on milli-charged particles, which naturally arise when kinetic mixing between the photon and the hidden photon is allowed. It turns out that the milli-charged particle with the mass $M\lesssim 5$ meV is prohibited by the FL bound in the case of a single hidden $U(1)$, independent of the value of kinetic mixing. This bound is crucial when bosonic dark matter is taken in consideration in this framework: the fuzzy bosonic dark matter models requesting minuscule masses are ruled out by the FL bound if the longevity of dark matter is protected by the hidden gauge symmetry.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2022

Report of the Topical Group on Particle Dark Matter for Snowmass 2021

This report summarizes the findings of the CF1 Topical Subgroup to Snowmass 2021, which was focused on particle dark matter. One of the most important scientific goals of the next decade is to reveal the nature of dark matter (DM). To accomplish this goal, we must delve deep, to cover high priority targets including weakly-interacting massive particles (WIMPs), and search wide, to explore as much motivated DM parameter space as possible. A diverse, continuous portfolio of experiments at large, medium, and small scales that includes both direct and indirect detection techniques maximizes the probability of discovering particle DM. Detailed calibrations and modeling of signal and background processes are required to make a convincing discovery. In the event that a candidate particle is found through different means, for example at a particle collider, the program described in this report is also essential to show that it is consistent with the actual cosmological DM. The US has a leading role in both direct and indirect detection dark matter experiments -- to maintain this leading role, it is imperative to continue funding major experiments and support a robust R\&D program.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2022

Snowmass Theory Frontier: Astrophysics and Cosmology

We summarize progress made in theoretical astrophysics and cosmology over the past decade and areas of interest for the coming decade. This Report is prepared as the TF09 "Astrophysics and Cosmology" topical group summary for the Theory Frontier as part of the Snowmass 2021 process.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2022

Dark Sector Studies with Neutrino Beams

An array of powerful neutrino-beam experiments will study the fundamental properties of neutrinos with unprecedented precision in the coming years. Along with their primary neutrino-physics motivations, there has been growing recognition that these experiments can carry out a rich program of searches for new, light, weakly-coupled particles that are part of a dark sector. In this white paper, we review the diverse theoretical motivations for dark sectors and the capabilities of neutrino beam experiments to probe a wide range of models and signatures. We also examine the potential obstacles that could limit these prospects and identify concrete steps needed to realize an impactful dark sector search program in this and coming decades.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2022

Search Prospects for Axion-like Particles at Rare Nuclear Isotope Accelerator Facilities

We propose a novel experimental scheme, called DAMSA (Dump-produced Aboriginal Matter Searches at an Accelerator), for searching for dark-sector particles, using rare nuclear isotope accelerator facilities that provide high-flux proton beams to produce a large number of rare nuclear isotopes. The high-intensity nature of their beams enables the investigation of dark-sector particles, including axion-like particles (ALPs) and dark photons. By contrast, their typical beam energies are not large enough to produce the backgrounds such as neutrinos resulting from secondary charged particles. The detector of DAMSA is then placed immediate downstream of the proton beam dump to maximize the prompt decay signals of dark-sector particles, which are often challenging to probe in other beam-dump-type experiments featuring a longer baseline, at the expense of an enormous amount of the beam-related neutron (BRN) background. We demonstrate that BRN can be significantly suppressed if the signal accompanies multiple, correlated visible particles in the final state. As an example physics case, we consider ALPs interacting with the Standard Model photon and their diphoton decay signal at DAMSA implemented at a rare nuclear isotope facility similar to the Rare isotope Accelerator complex for ON-line experiment under construction in South Korea. We show that the close proximity of the detector to the ALP production dump makes it possible to probe a high-mass region of ALP parameter space that the existing experiments have never explored.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2022

Snowmass2021 Cosmic Frontier White Paper: Puzzling Excesses in Dark Matter Searches and How to Resolve Them

Intriguing signals with excesses over expected backgrounds have been observed in many astrophysical and terrestrial settings, which could potentially have a dark matter origin. Astrophysical excesses include the Galactic Center GeV gamma-ray excess detected by the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope, the AMS antiproton and positron excesses, and the 511 and 3.5 keV X-ray lines. Direct detection excesses include the DAMA/LIBRA annual modulation signal, the XENON1T excess, and low-threshold excesses in solid state detectors. We discuss avenues to resolve these excesses, with actions the field can take over the next several years.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2022

Snowmass2021 Cosmic Frontier: Synergies between dark matter searches and multiwavelength/multimessenger astrophysics

This whitepaper focuses on the astrophysical systematics which are encountered in dark matter searches. Oftentimes in indirect and also in direct dark matter searches, astrophysical systematics are a major limiting factor to sensitivity to dark matter. Just as there are many forms of dark matter searches, there are many forms of backgrounds. We attempt to cover the major systematics arising in dark matter searches using photons -- radio and gamma rays -- to cosmic rays, neutrinos and gravitational waves. Examples include astrophysical sources of cosmic messengers and their interactions which can mimic dark matter signatures. In turn, these depend on commensurate studies in understanding the cosmic environment -- gas distributions, magnetic field configurations -- as well as relevant nuclear astrophysics. We also cover the astrophysics governing celestial bodies and galaxies used to probe dark matter, from black holes to dwarf galaxies. Finally, we cover astrophysical backgrounds related to probing the dark matter distribution and kinematics, which impact a wide range of dark matter studies. In the future, the rise of multi-messenger astronomy, and novel analysis methods to exploit it for dark matter, will offer various strategic ways to continue to enhance our understanding of astrophysical backgrounds to deliver improved sensitivity to dark matter.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2021

Manifesting hidden dynamics of a sub-component dark matter

We emphasize the distinctive cosmological dynamics in multi-component dark matter scenarios and its impact in probing a sub-dominant component of dark matter. We find that the thermal evolution of the sub-component dark matter is significantly affected by the sizable self-scattering that is naturally realized for sub-${\rm GeV}$ masses. The required annihilation cross section for the sub-component sharply increases as we consider a smaller relative abundance fraction among the dark-matter species. Therefore, contrary to a naive expectation, it can be easier to detect the sub-component with smaller abundance fractions in direct/indirect-detection experiments and cosmological observations. Combining with the current results of accelerator-based experiments, the abundance fractions smaller than $10\,\%$ are strongly disfavored; we demonstrate this by taking a dark photon portal scenario as an example. Nevertheless, for the abundance fraction larger than $10\,\%$, the warm dark matter constraints on the sub-dominant component can be complementary to the parameter space probed by accelerator-based experiments.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2021

Probing Energetic Light Dark Matter with Multi-Particle Tracks Signatures at DUNE

The search for relativistic scattering signals of cosmogenic light dark matter at terrestrial detectors has received increasing attention as an alternative approach to probe dark-sector physics. Large-volume neutrino experiments are well motivated for searches of dark matter that interacts very weakly with Standard Model particles and/or that exhibits a small incoming flux. We perform a dedicated signal sensitivity study for a detector similar to the one proposed by the DUNE Collaboration for cosmogenic dark-matter signals resulting from a non-minimal multi-particle dark-sector scenario. The liquid argon time projection chamber technology adopted for the DUNE detectors is particularly suited for searching for complicated signatures owing to good measurement resolution and particle identification, as well as $dE/dx$ measurements to recognize merged tracks. Taking inelastic boosted dark matter as our benchmark scenario that allows for multiple visible particles in the final state, we demonstrate that the DUNE far detectors have a great potential for probing scattering signals induced by relativistic light dark matter. Detector effects and backgrounds have been estimated and taken into account. Model-dependent and model-independent expected sensitivity limits for a DUNE-like detector are presented.

hep-ph↗
arXiv2021

Cosmic-Neutrino-Boosted Dark Matter ($ν$BDM)

A novel mechanism of boosting dark matter by cosmic neutrinos is proposed. The new mechanism is so significant that the arriving flux of dark matter in the mass window $1~{\rm keV} \lesssim m_{\rm DM} \lesssim 1~{\rm MeV}$ on Earth can be enhanced by two to four orders of magnitude compared to one only by cosmic electrons. Thereby we firstly derive conservative but still stringent bounds and future sensitivity limits for such cosmic-neutrino-boosted dark matter ($ν$BDM) from advanced underground experiments such as Borexino, PandaX, XENON1T, and JUNO.

hep-ph↗