Strange physics of dark baryons

Dark sector particles at the GeV scale carrying baryon number provide an attractive framework for understanding the origin of dark matter and the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe. We demonstrate that dark decays of hadronic states containing strange quarks???hyperons???offer excellent prospects for discovering such dark baryons. Building up on novel calculations of the matrix elements relevant for hyperon dark decays, and in view of various collider, flavor, and astrophysical constraints, we determine the expected rates at hyperon factories like BESIII and LHCb. We also highlight the interesting theoretical connections of hyperon dark decays to the neutron lifetime anomaly and mesogenesis.

Automated summary

Dark decays of hadronic states containing strange quarks, known as hyperons, provide a promising framework for understanding the origin of dark matter and the matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe. By calculating the relevant matrix elements and considering various constraints, we determine the expected rates of hyperon decays at hyperon factories like BESIII and LHCb. We also uncover interesting theoretical connections between hyperon dark decays, the neutron lifetime anomaly, and mesogenesis.