The ${\nu }_R$-philic scalar dark matter

Abstract

Right-handed neutrinos (${\nu }_R$) offer an intriguing portal to new physics in hidden sectors where dark matter (DM) may reside. In this work, we delve into the simplest hidden sector involving only a real scalar exclusively coupled to ${\nu }_R$, referred to as the ${\nu }_R$-philic scalar. We investigate the viability of the ${\nu }_R$-philic scalar to serve as a DM candidate, under the constraint that the coupling of ${\nu }_R$ to the standard model is determined by the seesaw relation and is responsible for the observed DM abundance. By analyzing the DM decay channels and solving Boltzmann equations, we identify the viable parameter space. In particular, our study reveals a lower bound ($2.6\times 10^5$ GeV) on the mass of ${\nu }_R$ for the ${\nu }_R$-philic scalar to be DM. The DM mass may vary from sub-MeV to sub-GeV. Within the viable parameter space, monochromatic neutrino lines from DM decay can be an important signal for DM indirect detection.

Comments: 24 pages, 5 figures, Lyman-alpha bounds added, matches the JCAP published version