On the direct detection of multi-component dark matter: sensitivity studies and parameter estimation

Understand

We study the case of multi-component dark matter, in particular how direct detection signals are modified in the presence of several stable weakly-interacting-massive particles.

• Assuming a positive signal in a future direct detection experiment, stemming from two dark matter components, we study the region in parameter space where it is possible to distinguish a one from a two-component dark matter spectrum.
• First, we leave as free parameters the two dark matter masses and show that the two hypotheses can be significantly discriminated for a range of dark matter masses with their splitting being the critical factor.
• We then investigate how including the effects of different interaction strengths, local densities or velocity dispersions for the two components modifies these conclusions.