Dark matter annihilation to neutrinos

The annihilation of dark matter into neutrinos over a range of dark matter masses from MeV/c(2) to ZeV/c(2) is reviewed. Thermally produced models of dark matter are expected to self-annihilate to standard model products. As no such signal has yet been detected. neutrino detectors are turned to in order to constrain the most invisible channel. The experimental techniques that are used to detect neutrinos are reviewed, and the expected contributions to the neutrino flux at current and upcoming neutrino experiments is revisited. Updated constraints are placed on the dark matter self-annihilation cross section to neutrinos using the most recent data, and the sensitivity of upcoming experiments such as Hyper-Kamiokande. Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), and IceCube Gent is forecasted. Where possible. limits and projections are scaled to a single set of dark matter halo parameters for consistent comparison. Galactic and extragalactic signals of s-, p-, and d-wave annihilation processes directly into neutrino pairs are considered, yielding constraints that range from similar to 2.5 x 10(-26) cm(3) s(-1) at 30 MeV/c(2) to 10(-17) cm(3) s(-1) at 10(11) GeV/c(2) . Experiments that report directional and energy information of their events provide much stronger constraints, outlining the importance of making such data public.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the annihilation of dark matter into neutrinos across a range of masses, focusing on the constraints and sensitivity of upcoming neutrino experiments. Experimental techniques for detecting neutrinos, as well as the importance of reporting directional and energy information for stronger constraints, are highlighted. Constraints on dark matter self-annihilation to neutrinos, ranging from MeV/c(2) to GeV/c(2) masses, are discussed in the context of Galactic and extragalactic signals.