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Neutralino dark matter in the NMSSM

Ana M. Teixeira (LPT-Orsay)
05 July 2007, 14:15 - 16:00

We study the viability of the lightest neutralino as a dark matter candidate in the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model. In our analysis we take into account accelerator constraints as well as bounds on low-energy observables (muon anomalous magnetic moment, rare $K$ and $B$ meson decays). We further impose consistency with present bounds on the neutralino relic density. We also address the prospects for the direct detection of neutralino dark matter in the allowed regions of the parameter space, comparing the results with the sensitivities of present and projected dark matter experiments. We find regions of the NMSSM parameter space where the neutralino has the correct relic abundance and its detection cross section is within the reach of dark matter detectors, essentially owing to the presence of very light singlet-like Higgses, and either singlino dominated or very light neutralinos.
Teixeira.pdf [2578 KBytes]