Dark matter, light mediators, and the neutrino floor

Abstract

We analyze future direct data matter detection experiments using Effective Field Theory (EFT) operators with light, $\lesssim 100$ MeV mass mediators. We compare the nuclear recoil energy spectra from these operators to the predicted high energy solar neutrino spectrum. A set of operators that generate spectra similar to the neutrino background is identified, however this set is distinct from those that mimic the neutrino background for heavy, $\gtrsim 100$ MeV mass mediators. We outline a general classification scheme based on momentum dependence of the dark matter-nucleus interaction to determine how strong the discovery limit for a given operator saturates in the presence of the neutrino background. Our results highlight the benefit of considering a general theoretical framework regarding dark matter, and motivate continued experimental progress towards lower nuclear recoil energy thresholds.