Cosmic-Ray Signatures of Dark Matter Decay

Abstract

In light of recent observations of an anomalous excess of high-energy positrons and electrons by the PAMELA and Fermi LAT experiments, we investigate exotic cosmic-ray signatures in scenarios with unstable dark matter that decays with an extremely long lifetime. We identify decay modes capable of explaining the observed anomalies and mention constraints arising from measurements of antiprotons and gamma rays. We also discuss complementary tests by measurements of anisotropies in diffuse gamma rays which should be accessible to Fermi.

4 pages, 1 figure. To appear in the proceedings of SUSY 2009, June 5 - 10, Northeastern University, Boston, MA