Velocity-dependent self-interacting dark matter from groups and clusters of galaxies

We probe the self-interactions of dark matter with relaxed galaxy groups and clusters using observational data from strong and weak lensing and stellar kinematics. Our analysis uses the Jeans formalism and considers a wider range of systematic effects than in previous work, including adiabatic contraction and stellar anisotropy, to robustly constrain the self-interaction cross section. For both groups and clusters, our results show a mild preference for a nonzero cross section compared with cold collisionless dark matter. Our groups result, sigma/m = 0.5 +/- 0.2 cm(2)/g, places the first constraint on self-interacting dark mo matter (SIDM) at an intermediate scale M-200 similar to 10(14) M-circle dot, between galaxies and massive clusters. For massive clusters with M-200 similar to 10(15) M-circle dot, our result is sigma/m = 0.19 +/- 0.09 cm(2)/g, with an upper limit of sigma/m < 0.35 cm(2)/g (95% CL). Thus, our results disfavor a velocityindependent cross section of order 1 cm(2)/g or larger needed to impact small scale structure problems in galaxies, but are consistent with a velocity-dependent cross section that decreases with increasing scattering velocity. Comparing the cross sections with and without the effect of adiabatic contraction, we find that adiabatic contraction produces slightly larger values for our data sample, but they are consistent at the la level. Finally, to validate our approach, we apply our Jeans analysis to a sample of mock data generated from SIDM-plus-baryons simulations with sigma/m = 1 cm(2)/g. This is the first test of the Jeans model at the level of stellar and lensing observables directly measured from simulations. We find our analysis gives a robust determination of the cross section, as well as consistently inferring the true baryon and dark matter density profiles.

Automated summary

This study investigates the self-interactions of dark matter in relaxed galaxy groups and clusters, revealing a mild preference for a nonzero cross section compared to cold collisionless dark matter. The analysis utilizes observational data and the Jeans formalism to robustly constrain the self-interaction cross section, providing insights into the behavior of dark matter in different cosmic structures.