# A minimal theory of strongly-coupled dark baryons: spectrum predictions from lattice QFT

Particle Physics Theory seminar

### Event details

As a simple model for dark matter, we propose a QCD-like theory based on $SU(2)$ gauge theory with one flavor of dark quark through a single flavor Dirac fermion in the fundamental representation. We use lattice simulations to investigate the properties of the lowest-lying hadrons. Compared to QCD, the theory has several interesting differences: there are no Goldstone bosons or chiral symmetry restoration when the dark quark becomes massless; the usual global baryon number symmetry is enlarged to $SU(2)_B$, resembling isospin; and baryons and mesons are unified together in $SU(2)_B$ iso-multiplets.
We argue that the lightest baryon, a vector boson, is a stable dark matter candidate and is a composite realization of the hidden vector dark matter scenario.
The model naturally includes a lighter state, the analog of the $\eta^\prime$ in QCD, for dark matter to annihilate into to set the relic density via thermal freeze-out. Dark matter baryons may also be asymmetric, strongly self-interacting, or have their relic density set via $3 \to 2$ cannibalizing transitions.
We discuss some experimental implications of coupling dark baryons to the Higgs portal.

### About Particle Physics Theory seminars

The Particle Physics Theory seminar is a weekly series of talks reflecting the diverse interests of the group. Topics include analytic and numerical calculations based on the Standard Model of elementary particle physics, theories exploring new physics, as well as more formal developments in gauge theories and gravity..