Hidden sectors and a multi-temperature universe

Abstract

A variety of supergravity and string based models contain hidden sectors which can play a role in particle physics phenomena and in cosmology. In this note we discuss the possibility that the visible sector and the hidden sectors in general live in different heat baths. Further, it is entirely possible that dark matter resides partially or wholly in hidden sectors in the form of dark Dirac fermions, dark neutralinos or dark photons. A proper analysis of dark matter and of dark forces in this case requires that one deals with a multi-temperature universe. We discuss the basic formalism which includes the multi-temperature nature of visible and hidden sectors in the analysis of phenomena observable in the visible sectors. Specifically we discuss the application of the formalism for explaining the velocity dependence of dark matter cross sections as one extrapolates from galaxy scales to scales of galaxy clusters. Here the dark photon exchange among dark fermions can produce the desired velocity dependent cross sections consistent with existing galactic cross section data indicating the existence of a new fifth (dark) force. We also discuss the possibility that the dark photon may constitute a significant portion of dark matter. We demonstrate a realization of this possibility in a universe with two hidden sectors and with the visible sector and the hidden sectors in different heat baths which allows a satisfaction of the constraints that the dark photon have a lifetime larger than the age of the universe and that its relic density be consistent with Planck data. Future directions for further work are discussed.

Contribution to Snowmass

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