A possible explanation for NuTeV's anomalous dimuon events

Abstract

We consider a model where neutrinos interact with weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) as a possible explanation for the production of NuTeV's anomalous dimuon events. This model naturally produces the features reported by NuTeV, specifically the muon energy asymmetry and other kinematics. When combined with the NuTeV event selection criteria, this model predicts an expectation of zero events as observed in their other search channels. For the best agreement with data, the model requires a lower WIMP mass than conventionally expected, but one that is of current interest due to DAMA/LIBRA results, at around 10 GeV$/c^2$. This model has a very high cross section for neutrino-WIMP interactions. We make suggestions for future searches that would confirm or refute this model.

Submitted to PRD

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