Indirect detection constraints on the scotogenic dark matter model

Radiative seesaw models have the attractive property of providing dark matter candidates in addition to the generation of neutrino masses. Here we present a study of neutrino signals from the annihilation of dark matter particles that have been gravitationally captured in the Sun in the framework of the scotogenic model. We compute expected event rates in the ICECUBE detector in its 86-string configuration. As fermionic dark matter does not scatter off nucleons due to its singlet nature and therefore does not accumulate in the Sun, we study the case of scalar dark matter with a scan over the parameter space. Due to a naturally small mass splitting between the two neutral scalar components, inelastic scattering processes with nucleons can occur. We find that for most of the parameter space, i.e. for mass splittings below 500 keV, inelastic scattering in the Sun yields ICECUBE event rates above 10 events per year, whereas direct detection on Earth is sensitive only to 250 keV. Consequently, a detailed analysis with ICECUBE could lead to a lower limit on the scalar coupling lambda(5) greater than or similar to 1.6 . 10(-5). m(DM)/TeV. For larger mass splittings, only elastic scattering occurs in the Sun. In this case, XENON1T limits only allow for models with expected event rates of up to O(0.1) per year. Some of these models, in particular those with large DM mass and fermion coannihilation, could also be tested with a dedicated ICECUBE analysis of DM annihilation in the Galactic Center.

Automated summary

Radiative seesaw models not only generate neutrino masses but also provide dark matter candidates. This study focuses on neutrino signals from dark matter particles captured in the Sun within the scotogenic model, showing that inelastic scattering can result in significant event rates in ICECUBE. Analysis suggests a lower limit on scalar coupling and limitations on model predictions in elastic scattering scenarios. Further tests on models with large dark matter mass and coannihilation are possible with ICECUBE analysis in the Galactic Center.