Primordial $^4\text{He}$ constraints on inelastic macro dark matter revisited

Abstract

At present, the best model for the evolution of the cosmos requires that dark matter make up approximately $25\%$ of the energy content of the Universe. Most approaches to explain the microscopic nature of dark matter, to date, have assumed its composition to be of intrinsically weakly interacting particles; however, this need not be the case to have consistency with all extant observations. Given decades of inconclusive evidence to support any dark matter candidate, there is strong motivation to consider alternatives to the standard particle scenario. One such example is macro dark matter, a class of candidates (macros) that could interact strongly with the particles of the Standard Model, have large masses and physical sizes, and yet behave as dark matter. Macros that scatter completely inelastically could have altered the primordial production of the elements, and macro charge-dependent constraints have been obtained previously. Here we reconsider the phenomenology of inelastically interacting macros on the abundance of primordially produced $^4\text{He}$ and revise previous constraints by also taking into account improved measurements of the primordial $^4\text{He}$ abundance. The constraints derived here are limited in applicability to only leptophobic macros that have a surface potential $V \gtrsim 0.5\,$MeV. However, an important conclusion from our analysis is that even neutral macros would likely affect the abundance of the light elements. Therefore, constraints on that scenario are possible and are currently an open question.