Conversion-Driven Leptogenesis: A Testable Theory of Dark Matter and Baryogenesis at the Electroweak Scale
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The phenomena of dark matter and the baryon asymmetry pose two of the most pressing questions in today's fundamental physics. Conversion-driven freeze-out has emerged as a successful mechanism to generate the observed dark matter relic density. It supports thermalization of dark matter despite its very weak couplings, aligning with the null results from direct and indirect detection experiments. In this Letter, we demonstrate that the departure from equilibrium of dark matter, induced by semi-efficient conversions, satisfies Sakharov's conditions, providing a novel explanation for both dark matter and the baryon asymmetry. Specifically, for a leptophilic model, we establish the mechanism of conversion-driven leptogenesis. The scenario predicts dark matter masses close to the electroweak scale offering testable predictions, such as soft displaced leptons at the LHC and future colliders.
Source: Physical Review Letters
Author: Jan Heisig
Institutions: University of Virginia, RWTH Aachen University
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,750
Funder: Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung
OpenAlex ID: W4404165062