Can Next-Generation Accelerators Reveal the Properties of Dark Matter?

[wolram]

http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-ph/0602187

Authors: Edward A. Baltz, Marco Battaglia, Michael E. Peskin, Tommer Wizansky
Comments: 121 pages, 62 figures
Report-no: SLAC-PUB-11687, LBNL-59634

If the cosmic dark matter consists of weakly-interacting massive particles, these particles should be produced in reactions at the next generation of high-energy accelerators. Measurements at these accelerators can then be used to determine the microscopic properties of the dark matter. From this, we can predict the cosmic density, the annihilation cross sections, and the cross sections relevant to direct detection. In this paper, we present studies in supersymmetry models with neutralino dark matter that give quantitative estimates of the accuracy that can be expected. We show that these are well matched to the requirements of anticipated astrophysical observations of dark matter. The capabilities of the proposed International Linear Collider (ILC) are expected to play a particularly important role in this study.

 

[lippyka]

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of how high-energy measurements at next-generation accelerators might be used to determine the properties of dark matter particles, and how these measurements can be used to make predictions about the cosmic density, annihilation cross sections, and cross sections relevant to direct detection. To illustrate the capabilities of this approach, the authors focus on supersymmetry models with neutralino dark matter. They show that the expected accuracy of measurements at future accelerators is well matched to the requirements of anticipated astrophysical observations. The capabilities of the proposed International Linear Collider (ILC) are highlighted as being particularly important in this study.