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Author Lopez-Honorez, L.; Mena, O.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.; Villanueva-Domingo, P.; Witte, S.J.
Title Variations in fundamental constants at the cosmic dawn Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Abbreviated Journal J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys.
Volume (up) 06 Issue 6 Pages 026 - 25pp
Keywords cosmology of theories beyond the SM; particle physics – cosmology connection; reionization
Abstract The observation of space-time variations in fundamental constants would provide strong evidence for the existence of new light degrees of freedom in the theory of Nature. Robustly constraining such scenarios requires exploiting observations that span different scales and probe the state of the Universe at different epochs. In the context of cosmology, both the cosmic microwave background and the Lyman-a forest have proven to be powerful tools capable of constraining variations in electromagnetism, however at the moment there do not exist cosmological probes capable of bridging the gap between recombination and reionization. In the near future, radio telescopes will attempt to measure the 21 cm transition of neutral hydrogen during the epochs of reionization and the cosmic dawn (and potentially the tail end of the dark ages); being inherently sensitive to electromagnetic phenomena, these experiments will offer a unique perspective on space-time variations of the fine-structure constant and the electron mass. We show here that large variations in these fundamental constants would produce features on the 21 cm power spectrum that may be distinguishable from astrophysical uncertainties. Furthermore, we forecast the sensitivity for the Square Kilometer Array, and show that the 21 cm power spectrum may be able to constrain variations at the level of O(10(-3)).
Address [Lopez-Honorez, Laura] Univ Libre Bruxelles, Serv Phys Theor, CP225, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium, Email: llopezho@ulb.ac.be;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Iop Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1475-7516 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000551875400049 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4473
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Author Lopez-Honorez, L.; Mena, O.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.; Vincent, A.C.
Title Constraints on dark matter annihilation from CMB observations before Planck Type Journal Article
Year 2013 Publication Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Abbreviated Journal J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys.
Volume (up) 07 Issue 7 Pages 046 - 26pp
Keywords dark matter theory; CMBR theory
Abstract We compute the bounds on the dark matter (DM) annihilation cross section using the most recent Cosmic Microwave Background measurements from WMAP9, SPT'11 and ACT'10. We consider DM with mass in the MeV-TeV range annihilating 100% into either an e(+)e(-) or a mu(+)mu(-) pair. We consider a realistic energy deposition model, which includes the dependence on the redshift, DM mass and annihilation channel. We exclude the canonical thermal relic abundance cross section (<sigma nu > = 3 x 10(-26) cm(3)s(-1)) for DM masses below 30 GeV and 15 GeV for the e(+)e(-) and mu(+)mu(-) channels, respectively. A priori, DM annihilating in halos could also modify the reionization history of the Universe at late times. We implement a realistic halo model taken from results of state-of-the-art N-body simulations and consider a mixed reionization mechanism, consisting on reionization from DM as well as from first stars. We find that the constraints on DM annihilation remain unchanged, even when large uncertainties on the halo model parameters are considered.
Address [Lopez-Honorez, Laura] Vrije Univ Brussel, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium, Email: llopezho@vub.ac.be;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Iop Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1475-7516 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000322582000047 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 1533
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Author Bhattacharya, A.; Esmaili, A.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.; Sarcevic, I.
Title Probing decaying heavy dark matter with the 4-year IceCube HESE data Type Journal Article
Year 2017 Publication Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Abbreviated Journal J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys.
Volume (up) 07 Issue 7 Pages 027 - 36pp
Keywords dark matter theory; neutrino astronomy; neutrino detectors; ultra high energy photons and neutrinos
Abstract After the first four years of data taking, the IceCube neutrino telescope has observed 54 high-energy starting events (HESE) with deposited energies between 20TeV and 2PeV. The background from atmospheric muons and neutrinos is expected to be of about 20 events, all below 100TeV, thus pointing towards the astrophysical origin of about 8 events per year in that data set. However, their precise origin remains unknown. Here, we perform a detailed analysis of this event sample (considering simultaneously the energy, hemisphere and topology of the events) by assuming two contributions for the signal events: an isotropic power-law flux and a flux from decaying heavy dark matter. We fit the mass and lifetime of the dark matter and the normalization and spectral index of an isotropic power-law flux, for various decay channels of dark matter. We find that a significant contribution from dark matter decay is always slightly favored, either to explain the excess below 100TeV, as in the case of decays to quarks or, as in the case of neutrino channels, to explain the three multi-PeV events. Also, we consider the possibility to interpret all the data by dark matter decays only, considering various combinations of two decay channels. We show that the decaying dark matter scenario provides a better fit to HESE data than the isotropic power-law flux.
Address [Bhattacharya, Atri] Univ Liege, Space Sci Technol & Astrophys Res STAR Inst, Bat B5a, B-4000 Liege, Belgium, Email: a.bhattacharya@ulg.ac.be;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Iop Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1475-7516 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000406420500009 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 3243
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Author Arguelles, C.A.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.; Schneider, A.; Wille, L.; Yuan, T.L.
Title Unified atmospheric neutrino passing fractions for large-scale neutrino telescopes Type Journal Article
Year 2018 Publication Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Abbreviated Journal J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys.
Volume (up) 07 Issue 7 Pages 047 - 41pp
Keywords neutrino detectors; neutrino experiments; ultra high energy photons and neutrinos
Abstract The atmospheric neutrino passing fraction, or self-veto, is defined as the probability for an atmospheric neutrino not to be accompanied by a detectable muon from the same cosmic-ray air shower. Building upon previous work, we propose a redefinition of the passing fractions by unifying the treatment for muon and electron neutrinos. Several approximations have also been removed. This enables performing detailed estimations of the uncertainties in the passing fractions from several inputs: muon losses, cosmic-ray spectrum, hadronic-interaction models and atmosphere-density profiles. We also study the passing fractions under variations of the detector configuration: depth, surrounding medium and muon veto trigger probability. The calculation exhibits excellent agreement with passing fractions obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, we provide a general software framework to implement this veto technique for all large-scale neutrino observatories.
Address [Arguelle, Carlos A.] MIT, Dept Phys, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA, Email: caad@mit.edu;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Iop Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1475-7516 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000439590200003 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 3677
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Author Bernal, N.; Martin-Albo, J.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.
Title A novel way of constraining WIMPs annihilations in the Sun: MeV neutrinos Type Journal Article
Year 2013 Publication Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Abbreviated Journal J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys.
Volume (up) 08 Issue 8 Pages 011 - 19pp
Keywords dark matter theory; neutrino detectors; neutrino experiments
Abstract Annihilation of dark matter particles accumulated in the Sun would produce a flux of high-energy neutrinos whose prospects of detection in neutrino telescopes and detectors have been extensively discussed in the literature. However, for annihilations into Standard Model particles, there would also be a flux of neutrinos in the MeV range from the decays at rest of muons and positively charged pions. These low-energy neutrinos have never been considered before and they open the possibility to also constrain dark matter annihilation in the Sun into e(+)e(-), mu(+)mu(-) or light quarks. Here we perform a detailed analysis using the recent Super-Kamiokande data in the few tens of MeV range to set limits on the WIMP-nucleon scattering cross section for different annihilation channels and computing the evaporation rate of WIMPs from the Sun for all values of the scattering cross section in a consistent way.
Address [Bernal, Nicolas] Univ Bonn, Bethe Ctr Theoret Phys, D-53115 Bonn, Germany, Email: nicolas@th.physik.uni-bonn.de;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Iop Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1475-7516 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000324032800014 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 1584
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lopez-Honorez, L.; Mena, O.; Moline, A.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.; Vincent, A.C.
Title The 21 cm signal and the interplay between dark matter annihilations and astrophysical processes Type Journal Article
Year 2016 Publication Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Abbreviated Journal J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys.
Volume (up) 08 Issue 8 Pages 004 - 40pp
Keywords dark matter theory; intergalactic media; reionization
Abstract Future dedicated radio interferometers, including HERA and SKA, are very promising tools that aim to study the epoch of reionization and beyond via measurements of the 21 cm signal from neutral hydrogen. Dark matter (DM) annihilations into charged particles change the thermal history of the Universe and, as a consequence, affect the 21 cm signal. Accurately predicting the effect of DM strongly relies on the modeling of annihilations inside halos. In this work, we use up-to-date computations of the energy deposition rates by the products from DM annihilations, a proper treatment of the contribution from DM annihilations in halos, as well as values of the annihilation cross section allowed by the most recent cosmological measurements from the Planck satellite. Given current uncertainties on the description of the astrophysical processes driving the epochs of reionization, X-ray heating and Lyman-alpha pumping, we find that disentangling DM signatures from purely astrophysical effects, related to early-time star formation processes or late-time galaxy X-ray emissions, will be a challenging task. We conclude that only annihilations of DM particles with masses of similar to 100 MeV, could leave an unambiguous imprint on the 21 cm signal and, in particular, on the 21cm power spectrum. This is in contrast to previous, more optimistic results in the literature, which have claimed that strong signatures might also be present even for much higher DM masses. Additional measurements of the 21cm signal at different cosmic epochs will be crucial in order to break the strong parameter degeneracies between DM annihilations and astrophysical effects and undoubtedly single out a DM imprint for masses different from similar to 100 MeV.
Address [Lopez-Honorez, Laura] Vrije Univ Brussel, Theoret Natuurkunde, Pl Laan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium, Email: llopezho@vub.ac.be;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Iop Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1475-7516 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000389859100050 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 2899
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Moline, A.; Schewtschenko, J.A.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.; Boehm, C.; Baugh, C.M.
Title Isotropic extragalactic flux from dark matter annihilations: lessons from interacting dark matter scenarios Type Journal Article
Year 2016 Publication Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Abbreviated Journal J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys.
Volume (up) 08 Issue 8 Pages 069 - 23pp
Keywords dark matter simulations; dark matter theory; gamma ray theory
Abstract The extragalactic gamma-ray and neutrino emission may have a contribution from dark matter (DM) annihilations. In the case of discrepancies between observations and standard predictions, one could infer the DM pair annihilation cross section into cosmic rays by studying the shape of the energy spectrum. So far all analyses of the extragalactic DM signal have assumed the standard cosmological model (ACDM) as the underlying theory. However, there are alternative DM scenarios where the number of low-mass objects is significantly suppressed. Therefore the characteristics of the gamma-ray and neutrino emission in these models may differ from ACDM as a result. Here we show that the extragalactic isotropic signal in these alternative models has a similar energy dependence to that in ACDM, but the overall normalisation is reduced. The similarities between the energy spectra combined with the flux suppression could lead one to misinterpret possible evidence for models beyond ACDM as being due to CDM particles annihilating with a much weaker cross section than expected.
Address [Moline, Angeles] Univ Tecn Lisboa, Inst Super Tecn, CFTP, Av Rovisco Pais 1, P-1049001 Lisbon, Portugal, Email: maria.moline@ist.utl.pt;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Iop Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1475-7516 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000389859100053 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 2900
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Villanueva-Domingo, P.; Mena, O.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.
Title A Brief Review on Primordial Black Holes as Dark Matter Type Journal Article
Year 2021 Publication Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences Abbreviated Journal Front. Astron. Space Sci.
Volume (up) 8 Issue Pages 681084 - 10pp
Keywords primordial black holes; dark matter; cosmology; accretion; 21 cm cosmology; gravitational waves; cosmic microwave background; microlensing
Abstract Primordial black holes (PBHs) represent a natural candidate for one of the components of the dark matter (DM) in the Universe. In this review, we shall discuss the basics of their formation, abundance and signatures. Some of their characteristic signals are examined, such as the emission of particles due to Hawking evaporation and the accretion of the surrounding matter, effects which could leave an impact in the evolution of the Universe and the formation of structures. The most relevant probes capable of constraining their masses and population are discussed.
Address [Villanueva-Domingo, Pablo; Mena, Olga; Palomares-Ruiz, Sergio] CSIC Univ Valencia, Inst Fis Corpuscular IFIC, Paterna, Spain, Email: pablo.villanueva.domingo@gmail.com
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Frontiers Media Sa Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2296-987x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000660081700001 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration no
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 4852
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bernal, N.; Forero-Romero, J.E.; Garani, R.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.
Title Systematic uncertainties from halo asphericity in dark matter searches Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Abbreviated Journal J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys.
Volume (up) 09 Issue 9 Pages 004 - 30pp
Keywords dark matter theory; dark matter simulations
Abstract Although commonly assumed to be spherical, dark matter halos are predicted to be non-spherical by N-body simulations and their asphericity has a potential impact on the systematic uncertainties in dark matter searches. The evaluation of these uncertainties is the main aim of this work, where we study the impact of aspherical dark matter density distributions in Milky-Way-like halos on direct and indirect searches. Using data from the large N-body cosmological simulation Bolshoi, we perform a statistical analysis and quantify the systematic uncertainties on the determination of local dark matter density and the so-called J factors for dark matter annihilations and decays from the galactic center. We find that, due to our ignorance about the extent of the non-sphericity of the Milky Way dark matter halo, systematic uncertainties can be as large as 35%, within the 95% most probable region, for a spherically averaged value for the local density of 0.3-0.4 GeV/cm(3). Similarly, systematic uncertainties on the J factors evaluated around the galactic center can be as large as 10% and 15%, within the 95% most probable region, for dark matter annihilations and decays, respectively.
Address [Bernal, Nicolas] Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Fis Teor, ICTP South Amer Inst Fundamental Res, BR-01405 Sao Paulo, Brazil, Email: nicolas@ift.unesp.br;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Iop Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1475-7516 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000342642500005 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 1958
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bernal, N.; Munoz-Albornoz, V.; Palomares-Ruiz, S.; Villanueva-Domingo, P.
Title Current and future neutrino limits on the abundance of primordial black holes Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Abbreviated Journal J. Cosmol. Astropart. Phys.
Volume (up) 10 Issue 10 Pages 068 - 38pp
Keywords neutrino detectors; primordial black holes
Abstract Primordial black holes (PBHs) formed in the early Universe are sources of neutrinos emitted via Hawking radiation. Such astrophysical neutrinos could be detected at Earth and constraints on the abundance of comet-mass PBHs could be derived from the null observation of this neutrino flux. Here, we consider non-rotating PBHs and improve constraints using Super-Kamiokande neutrino data, as well as we perform forecasts for next-generation neutrino (Hyper-Kamiokande, JUNO, DUNE) and dark matter (DARWIN, ARGO) detectors, which we compare. For PBHs less massive than " few x 1014 g, PBHs would have already evaporated by now, whereas more massive PBHs would still be present and would constitute a fraction of the dark matter of the Universe. We consider monochromatic and extended (log-normal) mass distributions, and a PBH mass range spanning from 1012 g to ti 1016 g. Finally, we also compare our results with previous ones in the literature.
Address [Bernal, Nicolas] New York Univ Abu Dhabi, POB 129188, Abu Dhabi, U Arab Emirates, Email: nicolas.bernal@uan.edu.co;
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher IOP Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1475-7516 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000882783900003 Approved no
Is ISI yes International Collaboration yes
Call Number IFIC @ pastor @ Serial 5412
Permanent link to this record