Celestial and Underground Searches for Heavy Dark Matter
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Authors
Fernandez Acevedo, Javier
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Dark Matter , BSM Physics , Supernovae , Neutron Stars , Direct Detection of Dark Matter , White Dwarfs
Alternative Title
Abstract
This thesis investigates new signatures of heavy and composite dark matter models in both astrophysical objects and underground experiments.
The first two chapters are dedicated to heavy dark matter phenomenology in compact stars: white dwarfs and neutron stars. The high density of these objects makes them prime targets for pushing the frontier of dark matter detection. We first explore how dark matter accumulation can lead to Type-Ia supernova explosions in white dwarfs, and what the overall timescale is for this ignition mechanism to proceed. The existence of massive white dwarfs that have not exploded then implies constraints on dark matter interactions with nuclei and electrons. In particular, we map these constraints to specific dark photon and Higgs portal models to illustrate their reach. We then proceed to show how the thermal evolution of old neutron stars can place leading bounds on dark matter interactions with nucleons, based on the additional energy from dark matter scattering and annihilation in their crusts. We also argue that neutron stars might be the only feasible way to detect inelastic dark matter with large mass splittings, such as the supersymmetric Higgsino.
The third and final chapter, is devoted to new signatures of heavy composite dark matter states at both celestial objects and underground experiments. We show how a simple composite model with Yukawa couplings to the Standard Model can be detectable through the ionization tracks they would produce at direct detection experiments, as well as thermal radiation and induced nuclear reactions at neutrino observatories. Remarkably, these signatures arise even for extremely weak couplings, below any existing experimental or astrophysical constraints. We also discuss how these composite states could explode white dwarfs upon transit, or substantially heat planets as they accumulate in their core.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States