Dark matter, light mediators, and the neutrino floor

Understand

We analyze future direct data matter detection experiments using Effective Field Theory (EFT) operators with light, $\lesssim 100$ MeV mass mediators.

• We compare the nuclear recoil energy spectra from these operators to the predicted high energy solar neutrino spectrum.
• A set of operators that generate spectra similar to the neutrino background is identified, however this set is distinct from those that mimic the neutrino background for heavy, $\gtrsim 100$ MeV mass mediators.
• We outline a general classification scheme based on momentum dependence of the dark matter-nucleus interaction to determine how strong the discovery limit for a given operator saturates in the presence of the neutrino background.