On the direct detection of multi component dark matter

Abstract

We study the case of multi-component dark matter, in particular how direct detection signals are modified in the presence of several stable weaklyinteracting-massive particles. Assuming a positive signal in a future direct detection experiment, stemming from two dark matter components, we study the region in parameter space where it is possible to distinguish a one from a two-component dark matter spectrum. We leave as free parameters the two dark matter masses and show that the two hypotheses can be significantly discriminated for a range of dark matter masses with their splitting being the critical factor. For full details see the first of a series of two publications [1].