Dissertation seminar: Light from Dark Matter -- Hidden Dimensions, Supersymmetry and Inert Higgs
by
Michael Gustafsson(SU Fysikum)
→
Europe/Stockholm
FB51
FB51
Description
Recent observational achievements within cosmology and astrophysics
have lead to a concordance model in which the energy and matter in
our universe are dominated by presumably fundamentally new and
exotic ingredients -- dubbed dark energy and dark matter. To reveal
the true nature of these new ingredients is an outstanding challenge
in astroparticle physics.
This thesis presents results of discovered characteristic imprints
in gamma rays expected from dark matter annihilations. Such signals
can be searched for, and may contribute to reveal the nature of dark
matter. In particular, dark matter candidates emerging from extra
space dimensions, a supersymmetric extension of the standard model,
or the inclusion of an extra inert Higgs are discussed. Focus is put
on deriving gamma-ray spectra from the self-annihilation of these
dark matter candidates. Sizeable, distinct and experimentally
verifiable signatures are predicted.
Furthermore, numerical simulations of disk galaxies are studied to
learn how baryons, i.e. stars and gas, should effect the
expected dark matter distribution inside galaxies like our own Milky
Way. From regions of expected increased dark matter concentrations,
annihilation signals are the strongest. Estimations of dark matter
gamma-ray signals from such regions are presented. Such signals will
be searched for with existing and upcoming telescopes.
Finally, a claimed potential detection of dark matter annihilation
is discussed and found doubtful.