A comprehensive analysis of the dark matter direct detection experiments in the mirror dark matter framework

TL;DR

The paper evaluates mirror dark matter as a unifying explanation for direct-detection signals, incorporating uncertainties in quenching, detector resolution, and Galactic kinematics. It adopts a Rutherford-like cross-section from photon–mirror photon kinetic mixing and models the halo as a self-interacting, isothermal plasma containing heavy mirror metals (A', Fe'), with a Maxwellian velocity distribution and $v_0[i]$ related to the Galactic rotation speed $v_{rot}$. The global fit yields a consistent parameter region around $\epsilon\sqrt{\xi_{A'}} \approx 7\times10^{-10}$ and $m_{A'}/m_p \approx 22$, with $\xi_{A'} \gtrsim 10^{-2}$ and $\xi_{Fe'}/\xi_{A'} \sim 10^{-2}$, explaining DAMA and CoGeNT while remaining compatible with CDMS/Si, CDMS/Ge, XENON100, EdelweissII, and CRESSTII. The work also predicts distinctive signatures, such as a sign change in CoGeNT's modulation at low energies, substantial modulation in CRESSTII's oxygen band, and Fe'-like events in heavier-detector data, providing concrete near-term tests to validate or falsify the framework.

Abstract

Mirror dark matter offers a framework to explain the existing dark matter direct detection experiments. Here we confront this theory with the most recent experimental data, paying attention to the various known systematic uncertainties, in quenching factor, detector resolution, galactic rotational velocity and velocity dispersion. We perform a detailed analysis of the DAMA and CoGeNT experiments assuming a negligible channeling fraction and find that the data can be fully explained within the mirror dark matter framework. We also show that the mirror dark matter candidate can explain recent data from the CDMS/Ge, EdelweissII and CRESSTII experiments and we point out ways in which the theory can be further tested in the near future.