Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

Roberto A. Lineros

Publications and source records attributed to Roberto A. Lineros.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

WIMP Freeze-out dynamics under Tsallis statistics

We generalize thermal WIMP (Weakly Interacting Massive Particle) freeze-out within Tsallis nonextensive statistics. Using Curado-Tsallis $q$-distributions $f_q(E;μ,T)$ we compute $q$-deformed number and energy densities, pressure, entropy density and Hubble rate, $\{n_q,ρ_q,P_q,s_q,H_q\}$. The Boltzmann equation is generalized accordingly to obtain the comoving abundance $Y_{χ,q}(x)$ and relic density $Ω_{χ,q}h^2$ for a dark-matter candidate $χ$ in a model-independent setup. The thermally averaged cross section is expanded as $\langleσv\rangle_q \approx a + b\,\langle v_{\rm rel}^2\rangle_q$ up to $p$-wave. The freeze-out parameter $x_f(q)$ is determined from $Γ_{{\rm ann},q}(T_f)\simeq H_q(T_f)$ using a $q$-logarithmic inversion, with the expansion rate modified through ultra-relativistic rescalings $R_ρ(q)$ of the effective relativistic degrees of freedom $g_*$ and $g_{*s}$. We show that $x_f$ increases with $q$ and that QCD-threshold features propagate into $Y_{χ,q}(x)$ and $Ω_{χ,q}h^2$. We then perform two $q$-grid scans: fixing $\langleσv\rangle_q$ while varying the dark-matter mass $m_χ$, and fixing $m_χ$ while varying the $s$-wave coefficient $a$. For an $s$-wave dominated scenario we construct $χ^2$ profiles in these planes by comparing $Ω_{χ,q}h^2$ with the Planck benchmark $Ω_c h^2 = 0.120\pm 0.001$. In both cases we find a clear degeneracy in the preferred nonextensive parameter $q_{\rm best}$ along valleys in parameter space. However, fixed-mass scans (varying $\langleσv\rangle_q$) are significantly more constraining than fixed-cross-section scans, reflecting that $Ω_{χ,q}h^2$ is mainly controlled by $\langleσv\rangle_q$, so that for realistic cross sections the best-fit $q_{\rm best}$ remains close to the extensive limit $q\to 1$.

hep-ph↗

From WIMPs to FIMPs: Impact of Early Matter Domination

In the context of non-standard cosmologies, an early matter-dominated (EMD) era can significantly alter the conventional dark matter (DM) genesis. In this work, we reexamine the impact of an EMD on the weakly- and feebly-interacting massive particle (WIMP and FIMP) paradigms. EMD eras significantly modify the genesis of DM because of the change in the Hubble expansion rate and the injection of entropy. The WIMP paradigm can be realized with couplings much smaller than in the standard cosmological scenario, whereas much larger couplings are required in the FIMP case. Using the singlet-scalar DM model as a case study, we show that these results can lead to a continuous transition between the WIMP and FIMP scenarios, with results that are also applicable to other DM models. This broadens the parameter space consistent with observed DM levels and suggests that even elusive FIMP scenarios may be within the reach of future experimental searches.

hep-ph↗

From WIMPs to FIMPs with Low Reheating Temperatures

Weakly- and Feebly-Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs and FIMPs) are among the best-motivated dark matter (DM) candidates. In this paper, we investigate the production of DM through the WIMP and FIMP mechanisms during inflationary reheating. We show that the details of the reheating, such as the inflaton potential and the reheating temperature, have a strong impact on the genesis of DM. The strong entropy injection caused by the inflaton decay has to be compensated by a reduction of the portal coupling in the case of WIMPs, or by an increase in the case of FIMPs. We pinpoint the smooth transition between the WIMP and the FIMP regimes in the case of low reheating temperature. As an example, we perform a full numerical analysis of the singlet-scalar DM model; however, our results are generic and adaptable to other particle DM candidates. Interestingly, in the singlet-scalar DM model with low-reheating temperature, regions favored by the FIMP mechanism are already being tested by direct detection experiments such as LZ and XENONnT.

hep-ph↗

Sliding down over a horizontally moving semi-sphere

We studied the dynamics of an object sliding down on a semi-sphere with radius $R$. We consider the physical setup where the semi-sphere is free to move over a flat surface. For simplicity, we assume that all surfaces are friction-less. We analyze the values for the last contact angle $θ^\star$, corresponding to the angle when the object and the semi-sphere detach one of each other. We consider all possible scenarios with different combination of mass values: $m_A$ and $m_B$, and the initial velocity of the sliding object $A$. We found that the last contact angle only depends on the ratio between the masses, and it is independent of the acceleration of gravity and semi-sphere's radius. In addition, we found that the largest possible value of $θ^\star$ is $48.19^{\circ}$ that coincides with the case of a fixed semi-sphere. On the opposite case, the minimum value of $θ^\star$ is $0^\circ$ and it occurs then the object on the semi-sphere is extremely heavy, occurring the detachment as soon as the sliding body touches the semi-sphere. In addition, we found that if the initial kinetic energy of the sliding object $A$ is half the value of the potential energy with respect to the floor. The object detaches at the top of the semi-sphere.

physics.class-ph↗

Dark Matter candidates in a Type-II radiative neutrino mass model

We explore the connection between Dark Matter and neutrinos in a model inspired by radiative Type-II seessaw and scotogenic scenarios. In our model, we introduce new electroweakly charged states (scalars and a vector-like fermion) and impose a discrete $\mathbb{Z}_2$ symmetry. Neutrino masses are generated at the loop level and the lightest $\mathbb{Z}_2$-odd neutral particle is stable and it can play the role of a Dark Matter candidate. We perform a numerical analysis of the model showing that neutrino masses and flavour structure can be reproduced in addition to the correct dark matter density, with viable DM masses from 700 GeV to 30 TeV. We explore direct and indirect detection signatures and show interesting detection prospects by CTA, Darwin and KM3Net and highlight the complementarity between these observables.

hep-ph↗

Fermion Dark Matter and Radiative Neutrino Masses from Spontaneous Lepton Number Breaking

In this paper, we study the viability of having a fermion Dark Matter particle below the TeV mass scale in connection to the neutrino mass generation mechanism. The simplest realization is achieved within the scotogenic model where neutrino masses are generated at the 1-loop level. Hence, we consider the case where the dark matter particle is the lightest $\mathbb{Z}_2$-odd Majorana fermion running in the neutrino mass loop. We assume that lepton number is broken dynamically due to a lepton number carrier scalar singlet which acquires a non-zero vacuum expectation value. In the present scenario the Dark Matter particles can annihilate via $t$- and $s$-channels. The latter arises from the mixing between the new scalar singlet and the Higgs doublet. We identify three different Dark Matter mass regions below 1 TeV that can account for the right amount of dark matter abundance in agreement with current experimental constraints. We compute the Dark Matter-nucleon spin-independent scattering cross-section and find that the model predicts spin-independent cross-sections ``naturally'' dwelling below the current limit on direct detection searches of Dark Matter particles reported by XENON1T.

hep-ph↗

Radiative neutrino mass generation from WIMP dark matter

The minimal seesaw extension of the Standard Model requires two electroweak singlet fermions in order to accommodate the neutrino oscillation parameters at tree level. Here we consider a next to minimal extension where light neutrino masses are generated radiatively by two electroweak fermions: one singlet and one triplet under SU(2). These should be odd under a parity symmetry and their mixing gives rise to a stable weakly interactive massive particle dark matter candidate. For mass in the GeV-TeV range, it reproduces the correct relic density, and provides an observable signal in nuclear recoil direct detection experiments. The fermion triplet component of the dark matter has gauge interactions, making it potentially detectable at present and near future collider experiments.

hep-ph↗

Connecting neutrino physics with dark matter

The origin of neutrino masses and the nature of dark matter are two of the most pressing open questions of the modern astro-particle physics. We consider here the possibility that these two problems are related, and review some theoretical scenarios which offer common solutions. A simple possibility is that the dark matter particle emerges in minimal realizations of the see-saw mechanism, like in the majoron and sterile neutrino scenarios. We present the theoretical motivation for both models and discuss their phenomenology, confronting the predictions of these scenarios with cosmological and astrophysical observations. Finally, we discuss the possibility that the stability of dark matter originates from a flavour symmetry of the leptonic sector. We review a proposal based on an A_4 flavour symmetry.

hep-ph↗

The isotropic radio background revisited

We present an extensive analysis on the determination of the isotropic radio background. We consider six different radio maps, ranging from 22 MHz to 2.3 GHz and covering a large fraction of the sky. The large scale emission is modeled as a linear combination of an isotropic component plus the Galactic synchrotron radiation and thermal bremsstrahlung. Point-like and extended sources are either masked or accounted for by means of a template. We find a robust estimate of the isotropic radio background, with limited scatter among different Galactic models. The level of the isotropic background lies significantly above the contribution obtained by integrating the number counts of observed extragalactic sources. Since the isotropic component dominates at high latitudes, thus making the profile of the total emission flat, a Galactic origin for such excess appears unlikely. We conclude that, unless a systematic offset is present in the maps, and provided that our current understanding of the Galactic synchrotron emission is reasonable, extragalactic sources well below the current experimental threshold seem to account for the majority of the brightness of the extragalactic radio sky.

astro-ph.CO↗

Radio constraints on Galactic WIMP dark matter

Synchrotron emission from electron cosmic ray populations can be used to study both cosmic rays physics and WIMP dark matter imprints on radio skymaps. We used available radio data - from MHz to GHz - to analyze the contribution from galactic WIMP annihilations and impose constraints on WIMP observables: annihilation cross section, channel and mass. Depending on the annihilation channel we obtain as competitive bounds as those obtained in FERMI-LAT gamma ray analysis of dwarf satellite galaxies.

astro-ph.CO↗

Probing interactions within the dark matter sector via extra radiation contributions

The nature of dark matter is one of the most thrilling riddles for both cosmology and particle physics nowadays. While in the typical models the dark sector is composed only by weakly interacting massive particles, an arguably more natural scenario would include a whole set of gauge interactions which are invisible for the standard model but that are in contact with the dark matter. We present a method to constrain the number of massless gauge bosons and other relativistic particles that might be present in the dark sector using current and future cosmic microwave background data, and provide upper bounds on the size of the dark sector. We use the fact that the dark matter abundance depends on the strength of the interactions with both sectors, which allows one to relate the freeze-out temperature of the dark matter with the temperature of {this cosmic background of dark gauge bosons}. This relation can then be used to calculate how sizable is the impact of the relativistic dark sector in the number of degrees of freedom of the early Universe, providing an interesting and testable connection between cosmological data and direct/indirect detection experiments. The recent Planck data, in combination with other cosmic microwave background experiments and baryonic acoustic oscillations data, constrains the number of relativistic dark gauge bosons, when the freeze-out temperature of the dark matter is larger than the top mass, to be N \lesssim 14 for the simplest scenarios, while those limits are slightly relaxed for the combination with the Hubble constant measurements to N \lesssim 20. Future releases of Planck data are expected to reduce the uncertainty by approximately a factor 3, what will reduce significantly the parameter space of allowed models.

astro-ph.CO↗

Radio data and synchrotron emission in consistent cosmic ray models

It is well established that phenomenological two-zone diffusion models of the galactic halo can very well reproduce cosmic-ray nuclear data and the observed antiproton flux. Here, we consider lepton propagation in such models and compute the expected galactic population of electrons, as well as the diffuse synchrotron emission that results from their interaction with galactic magnetic fields. We find models in agreement not only with cosmic ray data but also with radio surveys at essentially all frequencies. Requiring such a globally consistent description strongly disfavors very large ($L\gtrsim 15$ kpc) and, even stronger, small ($L\lesssim 1$ kpc) effective diffusive halo sizes. This has profound implications for, e.g., indirect dark matter searches.

astro-ph.GA↗

Cosmic rays of leptons from Pulsars and Supernova Remnants

The latest results from PAMELA and FERMI experiments confirm the necessity to improve theoretical models of production and propagation of galactic electrons and positrons. There are many possible explanations for the positron excess observed at energies larger than 10 GeV and for some features around 1 TeV in the total flux of electrons and positrons. Supernovae are astrophysical objects with the potential to explain these observations. In this work, we present an updated study of the astrophysical sources of lepton cosmic rays and the possible and the possible explanation of the anomalies in terms of astrophysical sources.

astro-ph.HE↗

Dark Matter detection via lepton cosmic rays

Recent observations of lepton cosmic rays, coming from the PAMELA and FERMI experiments, have pushed our understanding of the interstellar medium and cosmic rays sources to unprecedented levels. The imprint of dark matter on lepton cosmic rays is the most exciting explanation of both PAMELA's positron excess and FERMI's total flux of electrons. Alternatively, supernovae are astrophysical objects with the same potential to explain these observations. In this work, we present an updated study of the astrophysical sources of lepton cosmic rays and the possible trace of a dark matter signal on the positron excess and total flux of electrons.

astro-ph.HE↗

Study of positrons from cosmic rays interactions and cold dark matter annihilations in the galactic environment

Positron and electron cosmic rays provide a complementary way to study the galactic environment. The actual cosmic rays experiments, for instance PAMELA and HEAT, have presented very exciting results in this field. The observed positron fraction appears larger than the actual theoretical predictions for energies larger than 10 GeV. The indirect evidences of Dark Matter in connection with Beyond the Standard Model theories would suggest the existence of an extra contribution present in the cosmic ray signal. We study and calculate the positron signal produced by the annihilation of a generic Dark Matter candidate. Especially, We analyze typical annihilation signatures and the impact of CR propagation physics on the positron signal. In addition, we study the positron signal related to spallation processes between nuclei cosmic--rays and the interstellar gas. We analyze the effects of uncertainties present in nuclear cross section, nuclei cosmic--ray and CR propagation physics. The propagation of positrons is modeled according to the Two--Zone Propagation Model which has been successfully tested in the study of nuclei cosmic--ray and present an analytical approach to study the cosmic--ray physics.

astro-ph↗

Neutrino Physics from Charged Higgs and Slepton Associated Production in AMSB

In the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model with bilinear R-Parity violation, terms that violate R-Parity and lepton number are introduced in the superpotential, and sneutrino vacuum expectation values are induced. As a result, neutrino masses and mixing angles are generated via a low energy see-saw mechanism. We show that this model embedded into an anomaly mediated supersymmetry breaking scenario is testable at a linear collider using charged Higgs boson production in association with a stau. This is possible in regions of parameter space where the charged Higgs and stau have similar mass, producing an enhancement of the charged scalar mixing angles. We show that the bilinear parameter and the sneutrino vev can be determined from charged scalar observables, and estimate the precision of this determination.

hep-ph↗