Searching for Dark Matter with Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive review of the methodologies and searches for dark matter (DM) annihilation signals using very-high-energy gamma rays (VHE, E > 100 GeV), utilizing data from current Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) in the pre-Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) era. It presents the state-of-the-art statistical analysis methods and theoretical models related to TeV DM, applied to data from the H.E.S.S. telescope array, which is currently the most sensitive IACT array for observing the Galactic Center (GC), where the brightest DM annihilation signals are expected. The authors delve into the astrophysics of VHE gamma-ray production through cosmic ray acceleration. They explain the Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov technique, describe the H.E.S.S. array, and discuss possibilities for DM annihilation-induced gamma-ray spectra and DM distribution profiles. By employing advanced statistical methods, they search for weak signals in the GC region using the H.E.S.S. Inner Galaxy Survey dataset and address systematic uncertainties. The authors present and debate the most constraining results on TeV dark matter models. Finally, this book presents the sensitivity of current IACTs to DM annihilation signals using IGS mock datasets, accounting for systematic and instrumental uncertainties. Detection prospects for canonical TeV DM models, such as the Wino, Higgsino, and quintuplet, are discussed. Sensitivity benchmarks on indirect DM searches with IACTs using H.E.S.S. as an example are provided, setting the stage for future developments in the CTA era. It serves as a consolidated resource for graduate students and researchers, presenting methodologies that could lead to significant advancements in the quest to understand dark matter.




Optimized Dark Matter Searches in Deep Observations of Segue 1 with MAGIC


Book Description

This thesis presents the results of indirect dark matter searches in the gamma-ray sky of the near Universe, as seen by the MAGIC Telescopes. The author has proposed and led the 160 hours long observations of the dwarf spheroidal galaxy Segue 1, which is the deepest survey of any such object by any Cherenkov telescope so far. Furthermore, she developed and completely characterized a new method, dubbed “Full Likelihood”, that optimizes the sensitivity of Cherenkov instruments for detection of gamma-ray signals of dark matter origin. Compared to the standard analysis techniques, this novel approach introduces a sensitivity improvement of a factor of two (i.e. it requires 4 times less observation time to achieve the same result). In addition, it allows a straightforward merger of results from different targets and/or detectors. By selecting the optimal observational target and combining its very deep exposure with the Full Likelihood analysis of the acquired data, the author has improved the existing MAGIC bounds to the dark matter properties by more than one order of magnitude. Furthermore, for particles more massive than a few hundred GeV, those are the strongest constraints from dwarf galaxies achieved by any gamma-ray instrument, both ground-based or space-borne alike.







Dark Matter Searches with Cherenkov Telescopes


Book Description

In this paper, we compare dwarf galaxies and galaxy clusters in order to elucidate which object class is the best target for gamma-ray DM searches with imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACTs). We have built a mixed dwarfs+clusters sample containing some of the most promising nearby dwarf galaxies (Draco, Ursa Minor, Wilman 1 and Segue 1) and local galaxy clusters (Perseus, Coma, Ophiuchus, Virgo, Fornax, NGC 5813 and NGC 5846), and then compute their DM annihilation flux profiles by making use of the latest modeling of their DM density profiles. We also include in our calculations the effect of DM substructure. Willman 1 appears as the best candidate in the sample. However, its mass modeling is still rather uncertain, so probably other candidates with less uncertainties and quite similar fluxes, namely Ursa Minor and Segue 1, might be better options. As for galaxy clusters, Virgo represents the one with the highest flux. However, its large spatial extension can be a serious handicap for IACT observations and posterior data analysis. Yet, other local galaxy cluster candidates with more moderate emission regions, such as Perseus, may represent good alternatives. After comparing dwarfs and clusters, we found that the former exhibit annihilation flux profiles that, at the center, are roughly one order of magnitude higher than those of clusters, although galaxy clusters can yield similar, or even higher, integrated fluxes for the whole object once substructure is taken into account. Even when any of these objects are strictly point-like according to the properties of their annihilation signals, we conclude that dwarf galaxies are best suited for observational strategies based on the search of point-like sources, while galaxy clusters represent best targets for analyses that can deal with rather extended emissions. Finally, we study the detection prospects for present and future IACTs in the framework of the constrained minimal supersymmetric standard model. We find that the level of the annihilation flux from these targets is below the sensitivities of current IACTs and the future CTA.




Study of the Galactic Center and Dark Matter Search with H.E.S.S.


Book Description

The H.E.S.S. (High Energy Spectroscopic System) experiment is an array of five Cherenkov telescopes that observe the sky in gamma-rays from about 100 GeV up to several ten TeV.Gamma rays are produced in violent non-thermal phenomena in the Universe in the neighborhood of pulsars, supernovae, black holes, ..., and could also be produced by the annihilation of dark matter particles.Numerous cosmological and astrophysical probes suggest that 85% of the total matter budget in the Universe is of unknown origin. This component of matter known as dark matter is non baryonic and could consist of yet undiscovered particles which privileged candidates are arguably massive particles with electroweak couplings with ordinary matter (WIMPs).Dark matter particles may annihilate into Standard Model particles in dense regions of the Universe. Among the annihilation products are photons which detection at high energy with ground-based Cherenkov telescopes could bring unique information on the nature of the dark matter.H.E.S.S. observes dark-matter-dense regions of the sky such as the Galactic Center and dwarf galaxy satellites of the Milky Way. A study on the interpretation of an excess of gamma-rays detected by H.E.S.S. at the Galactic Center in terms of acceleration of protons by a population of unresolved millisecond pulsars is performed.10 years of observations of the Galactic Center with the four-telescope H.E.S.S.-I array, five years of data taking towards the Galactic Center region with the full H.E.S.S.-II array and a two-years dataset towards newly discovered dwarf spheroidal galaxies are analyzed. The search for dark matter annihilation signals towards these targets provided the strongest limits so far on dark matter annihilation cross section in gamma rays of TeV energies. The potential of dark matter detection with the upcoming Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) towards the inner Galactic halo are studied. They may annihilate into Standard Model particles in dense regions of the Universe. Among the annihilation products are high energy photons. The detection of these photons with ground-based Cherenkov telescopes may reveal the nature of the dark matter. H.E.S.S. have observed some dark-matter-dense regions of the sky likethe Galactic Center and dwarf galaxies satellites of the Milky Way. In this work 10 years of observations of the Galactic Center with the four-telescopes H.E.S.S.-I array, five years of data taking towards the Galactic Center region with the full H.E.S.S.-II array and a two-years dataset towards newly discovered dwarf spheroidal galaxies are analyzed. The searches for dark matter annihilation signals towards these targets produced the strongest limits so far on dark matter annihilation cross section in gamma rays of TeV energies.Perspectives of dark matter detection with the future array CTA (Cherenkov Telescope Array) towards the inner Galactic halo are also discussed. A study on the interpretation of an excess of gamma-rays detected by H.E.S.S. at the Galactic Center in terms of acceleration of protons by a population of unresolved millisecond pulsars complements the dark matter searches.




Identification Of Dark Matter, The - Proceedings Of The Sixth International Workshop


Book Description

This volume is the latest in a prominent biannual series of scientific meetings on the exciting research topics of dark matter and, more recently, of dark energy. It contains a state-of-the-art update on detection efforts by experimental groups around the world trying to pin down exotic new forms of matter under the names of axions, neutralinos, wimps, primordial black holes, q balls, sterile neutrinos, as well as a tantalizing new form of dark energy component called phantom energy and quintessence. The book is self-contained as it also includes general reviews on recent cosmological observations — supernovae measurements, cosmic matter distribution surveys and cosmic radiation anisotropies — introducing even the uninitiated reader to this fascinating frontier of research.




Dark Matter in Astrophysics and Particle Physics


Book Description

Dark matter and dark energy are one of the central mysteries in modern physics, although modern astrophysical and cosmological observations and particle physics experiments can and will provide vital clues in uncovering its true nature. The DARK 2009 Conference brought together World?s leading researchers in both astrophysics and particle physics, providing an opportunity and platform to present their latest results to the community. The topics covered are wide-ranging, from terrestrial underground experiments to space experimental efforts to search for dark matter, and on the theoretical aspects, from the generating of a fifth family as origin of dark matter, extra dimensions and dark matter to non-standard Wigner classes and dark matter. One of the new highlights was certainly a possible connection between a neutrino mass as observed by nuclear double beta decay and the dark energy. Highly important and relevant in its field, the book presents a vital snapshot of the sometimes seemingly disparate areas of dark matter research and offers an exciting overview of current ideas and future directions.







Dark Matter Searches with Gamma Rays from the Galactic Center Halo and Cosmic-Ray Antimatter


Book Description

It is unknown what constitutes dark matter.The properties of dark matter particles may be observed indirectly if dark matter annihilates or decays into Standard Model particles that are then detected. Work is presented on two such experiments, performed with GAPS and VERITAS. GAPS is a forthcoming balloon-borne cosmic-ray antimatter detector whose unprecedented sensitivity to the fluxes of antiprotons, antideuterons, and antihelium makes possible the detection of a variety of exotic sources of these particles. We outline development of the GAPS TOF system, and demonstrate its ability to achieve desired resolutions in time, position, and energy. VERITAS is an imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescope array that has been observing gamma rays from the Galactic Center region for over 10 years. We develop a template-based background estimation method to look for excess gamma rays in the Galactic Center halo. No significant excess is found, and limits on the thermally-averaged annihilation cross section are derived with dependence on the annihilation channel, reaching $\langle \sigma_\text{ann} v\rangle