Light Neutralinos in the NMSSM

Abstract

Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model neutralino dark matter candidates in the (1-15) GeV range are found with a Markov Chain Monte Carlo scanning code. A very light, singlet-like Higgs and/or CP-odd Higgs is needed in order to achieve such light masses. Light scalar Higgses can yield large direct detection cross sections, suitable for an account of the recent claims for signals. Neutralino annihilations via resonant light pseudoscalar Higgs exchanges can overproduce the indirect yield of gamma-rays from dwarf spheroidal galaxies. Hence, direct and indirect detection experiments probe different configurations of the NMSSM with a light neutralino DM candidate.