Dark matter direct detection rate in a generic model with micrOMEGAs2.2
G. Belanger, F. Boudjema, A. Pukhov, A. Semenov
TL;DR
The paper introduces a new module in micrOMEGAs 2.2 that computes WIMP-nucleus direct-detection rates for a generic DM model by linking quark-level interactions to nucleon and nuclear amplitudes. It integrates a numerical operator-expansion approach (via CalcHEP) to extract SI/SD coefficients, incorporates nucleon form factors for scalar, vector, axial-vector, and tensor currents, and accounts for twist-2 and QCD corrections, including heavy-quark and gluon contributions. In MSSM-like scenarios, SUSY-QCD and loop effects on Higgs couplings and box diagrams are included, with validation against public codes showing generally good agreement and some model-dependent differences. The framework provides a flexible, model-agnostic tool for predicting direct-detection signals, with explicit handling of uncertainties from light-quark content, nuclear form factors, and DM velocity distributions, facilitating cross-model and cross-experiment comparisons.
Abstract
We present a new module of the micrOMEGAs package for the calculation of WIMP-nuclei elastic scattering cross sections relevant for the direct detection of dark matter through its interaction with nuclei in a large detector. With this new module, the computation of the direct detection rate is performed automatically for a generic model of new physics which contains a WIMP candidate. This model needs to be implemented within micrOMEGAs2.1.