Dark Matter: Connecting the early Universe and Phenomenology

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stefan Vogl
• Subject Area: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Fields
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 496940663

Astrophysical and cosmological observations clearly show that a new kind of matter constitutes the dominant component of matter in our Universe. However, neither its nature nor its origin is currently understood. A new particle beyond the Standard Model is an elegant solution to this problem. To uncover this particle and pin down its interactions is one of the most important goals of particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. Collider searches, direct and indirect detection experiments, as well as cosmological and astrophysical observations, are currently making huge progress. Only a joint effort across the different fields and close collaboration between theory and experiments will allow us to make the most of the available data.My contribution to this challenge will be organized around two key topics. (I) Dark matter production in the early Universe: The abundance of dark matter is measured very precisely. Combined with detailed calculations for its production in the early Universe this can be leveraged to guide experimental searches. In this context, it is essential that different production mechanisms are taken into account and established approximations put under scrutiny. I will improve the computation of the dark matter abundance, investigate new ideas for its production and analyze their impact on the expected signals.(II) Efficient analysis framework for dark matter phenomenology: Experimental searches produce a large amount of new data. Making the most of these observations is non-trivial and requires support from theory. A promising way forward in this direction is the combination of effective field theory with simplified models. I will scrutinize the reliability of this approach and extend it towards lighter and more weakly coupled dark sectors that lead to different experimental signatures.Each of these topics is interesting in its own right. Most importantly, however, they are strategically placed and complement each other. Together they provide insights into different aspects of the dark matter that cannot be gained by focusing on a single approach.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants