#11 Scalar Dark Matter Particle Models

Dark matter (DM) is an invisible non-baryonic form of matter that constitutes about 26% of the total matter-energy and 84% of the total matter of the observable Universe. Despite extensive experimental evidence (gravitational effects) supporting its existence, the fundamental nature of DM remains unknown. The most popular approach to this problem relies on the common assumption that DM consists of one or more undiscovered elementary particles, thus requiring an extension of the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics.

     In this project we will study the two-real-scalar-singlet extension of the SM after Z2 × Z2’ → Z2 spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB), as follows: 1) Building the model and determining the vacuum (or minimum) solutions. 2) Implementing the model with computational tools (e.g., FeynRules and micrOMEGAs). 3) Constraining the free parameter space with the observed relic density and direct detection (DD) experimental limits.

Requirements: Applicants must be third-year Bachelor's or Master's students with programming experience (e.g., Python and C++) and basic numerical skills.

Number of Participants: 1 or 2 students.