Dark matter from hidden forces

We examine the possibility that dark matter may be the manifestation of dark forces of a hidden sector, i.e. dark force = dark matter. As an illustrative and minimal example we consider the hidden SU(2)(h) x U(1)(h) gauge group. The hidden dynamics is indirectly coupled to the Standard Model (SM) through kinetic mixing of U(1)(h) with the U(1)(Y) of hypercharge. We assume a hidden symmetry-breaking pattern analogous to that of the SM electroweak symmetry, augmented with an extra scalar that allows both the hidden Z boson Z(h) and the hidden photon gamma(h) to be massive. The hidden W bosons W-h(+/-) are dark matter in this scenario. This generic setup can readily accommodate potential direct detection signals for light dark matter. For some choices of parameters, the model can lead to signals both in dark matter beam experiments, from Z(h) -> WhWh, as well as in experiments that look for visible signals of dark photons, mediated by gamma(h). Other possible phenomenological consequences are also briefly discussed.