Hidden sector dark matter explains the DAMA, CoGeNT, CRESST-II and CDMS/Si experiments

Abstract

We examine data from the DAMA, CoGeNT, CRESST-II and CDMS/Si direct detection experiments in the context of multi-component hidden sector dark matter. The models considered feature a hidden sector with two or more stable particles charged under an unbroken $U(1)'$ gauge interaction. The new gauge field can interact with the standard $U(1)_Y$ via renormalizable kinetic mixing, leading to Rutherford-type elastic scattering of the dark matter particles off ordinary nuclei. We consider the simplest generic model of this type, with a hidden sector composed of two stable particles, $F_1$ and $F_2$. We find that this simple model can simultaneously explain the DAMA, CoGeNT, CRESST-II and CDMS/Si data. This explanation has some tension with the most recent results from the XENON100 experiment.