Particle Physics Seminar: Have We Discovered Dark Matter at LZ?

Abstract:

Identifying the non-gravitational interactions of dark matter (DM) remains one of the most important open questions in modern physics. In this talk, I will discuss the recent anomalous event reported by the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment and how neutrino observations can test its possible DM interpretations. In the first part, I will explain the significance of this event and its possible interpretations in terms of inelastic Higgsino DM and elastic DM–nucleon interactions. In the second part, I will discuss how the capture and subsequent annihilation of DM in the Sun can produce high-energy neutrinos, allowing these interpretations to be tested using Super-Kamiokande and IceCube neutrino telescope datasets. I will show how existing neutrino observations already place stringent constraints on scenarios consistent with the LZ event. Future observations from both approaches will help assess these interpretations and provide important breakthroughs in the search for DM.

Seminar Organizer: Dr. Michael Geller