Pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone-boson Dark Matter from Three Complex Scalars

Aug 18, 2025·
Riasat Sheikh
Riasat Sheikh
,
Takashi toma
,
Koji tsumura
· 1 min read
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1 InspireHEP citations
Prediction of viable parameter space.
Abstract
This study explores a dark matter model in which a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson arises as a viable dark matter candidate from the spontaneous and soft breaking of global $\mathrm U(1)$ symmetries and stabilized by a residual $\mathbb{Z}_3$ discrete symmetry. The model introduces three complex scalar fields, singlets under the Standard Model gauge group, and charged under a dark $\mathrm U(1)_V$ gauge symmetry together with a permutative exchange symmetry among three scalars. These features naturally suppress the dark matter–nucleon scattering cross section by its Nambu-Goldstone boson nature. In addition to conventional annihilation channels, the $\mathbb{Z}_3$ structure allows semi-annihilation processes, potentially leading to new phenomenological signatures. We analyze theoretical and experimental constraints, including relic abundance, Higgs invisible decays, and perturbative unitarity, and evaluate the elastic scattering cross section for boosted dark matter.
Type
Publications
Journal of High Energy Physics
publications

In this work, we have proposed a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson dark matter model stabilized by a residual $\mathbb{Z}_3$ symmetry, realized through three complex scalar fields charged under a dark $\mathrm{U}(1)_V$ symmetry. The model naturally suppresses direct detection signals via symmetry-induced cancellations and introduces semi-annihilation channels not accessible in $\mathbb{Z}_2$ scenarios.

We examined theoretical and experimental constraints, including perturbative unitarity and Higgs invisible decay bounds, and confirmed that a viable parameter space exists. The relic abundance was computed using $\texttt{micrOMEGAs}$, showing that both annihilation and semi-annihilation processes significantly contribute to determine the relic abundance.

While the model was partly motivated by the possibility of generating boosted dark matter signals detectable at neutrino detectors, we found the resulting cross section to be well below the current experimental sensitivities. Nevertheless, this setup provides a minimal and consistent framework for semi-annihilation-driven pNGB BDM and opens the path for more predictive extensions.

This paper is an outcome of the research project titled Searching for ways to probe pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone-boson Dark Matter

Riasat Sheikh
Authors
PhD Researcher

I’m a PhD researcher in elementary particle theory, working on dark matter models, particle phenomenology, and exploring new ideas beyond the Standard Model. My work is driven by a curiosity to understand the universe at its most fundamental level.

Any inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or discussions related to my research are welcome. Feel free to reach out.