Tiny yet detectable WIMP-nucleon scattering cross sections in a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone dark matter model

Abstract

We investigate a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone (pNG) dark matter (DM) model based on a gauged $SU(2)_x$ and a global $SU(2)_g$ symmetries. These symmetries are spontaneously broken to a global $U(1)_D$ symmetry by a vacuum expectation value of an $SU(2)_x \times SU(2)_g$ bi-fundamental scalar field. The global $SU(2)_g$ symmetry is also softly broken to a global $U(1)_D$ symmetry. Under the setup, a complex pNG boson arises. It is stabilized by $U(1)_D$ and is a DM candidate. Its scattering cross section off a nucleon is highly suppressed by small momentum transfer and thus evades the stringent constraints from DM direct detection experiments. Assuming all the couplings in the dark sector are real, a discrete symmetry arises. Consequently, in addition to the pNG DM, the lighter one of an $SU(2)_x$ gauge boson $V^0$ and a CP-odd scalar boson $a_0$ from the bi-fundamental scalar field can also serve as a DM candidate. Therefore, the model provides two-component DM scenarios. We find that the relic abundance of the DM candidates explains the measured value of the DM energy density. We also find that the pNG DM is the dominant DM component in large regions of the parameter space. In contrast to the pNG DM, both $V^0$ and $a_0$ scatter off a nucleon, and their scattering cross sections are not suppressed. However, their scattering event rates are suppressed by their number densities. Thus, the scattering cross section is effectively reduced. We show that the effective WIMP-nucleon scattering cross sections in the two-component scenarios are smaller than the current upper bounds and above the neutrino fog.