Astrophysical limits on massive dark matter |
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Authors: | G. Bertone G. Sigl J. Silk |
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Affiliation: | 1Institut d'Astrophysique, F-75014 Paris, France;2Department of Astrophysics, University of Oxford, NAPL Keble Road, Oxford OX1 3RH |
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Abstract: | Annihilations of weakly interacting dark matter particles provide an important signature for the possibility of indirect detection of dark matter in galaxy haloes. These self-annihilations can be greatly enhanced in the vicinity of a massive black hole. We show that the massive black hole present at the centre of our galaxy accretes dark matter particles, creating a region of very high particle density. Consequently the annihilation rate is considerably increased, with a large number of e+e− pairs being produced either directly or by successive decays of mesons. We evaluate the synchrotron emission (and self-absorption) associated with the propagation of these particles through the galactic magnetic field, and are able to constrain the allowed values of masses and cross sections of dark matter particles. |
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Keywords: | Galaxy: centre dark matter |
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