Light Dark Matter at Neutrino Experiments

Abstract

Sub-GeV Dark Matter particles upscattered by cosmic rays gain enough kinetic energy to pass the thresholds of large volume detectors on Earth. We then use public Super-Kamiokande and MiniBooNE data to derive a novel limit on the scattering cross section of Dark Matter with electrons that extends down to sub-keV masses, closing a previously allowed wide region of parameter space. We finally discuss search strategies and prospects at existing and planned neutrino facilities.

7 pages, 6 figures. v2: limits extended to larger cross sections, references and clarifications added. v3: Numerical glitch corrected, conclusions unchanged, clarifications and appendix added. Accepted for publication on PRL