Tools for model-independent bounds in direct dark matter searches

Abstract

We discuss a framework (based on non-relativistic operators) and a self-contained set of numerical tools to derive the bounds from some current direct detection experiments on virtually any arbitrary model of Dark Matter elastically scattering on nuclei.

Comments: 42+2 pages, many figures. v2: some comments and references added; matches version published on JCAP. v3: Addendum to include LUX 2013 data. v4: Addendum to include SuperCDMS 2014 data. v5: Fig.7 slightly corrected. All results are available at http://www.marcocirelli.net/NRopsDD.html