Light Dark Matter Detection and Neutrino Floor: Role of Anomalous $(g-2)_{\mu}$

Abstract

In this work, we explore the impact of dark matter (DM) relic density and direct detection constraints on a GeV scale DM in the context of recent anomalous muon magnetic moment $(g-2)_{\mu}$ measurement; a $ 5.1 \sigma$ discrepancy with the SM. In $U(1)_{L_{\mu}-L_{\tau}}$ scenario the additional $Z'$ boson modifies the $(g-2)_{\mu}$ value readily explaining the discrepancy, which restricts the $Z^{\prime}$ mass in the range of $20-200$~MeV. Bounds imposed on the $Z^{\prime}$ mass along with the gauge coupling, limit possible enhancement of the neutrino floor in an $U(1)_{L_{\mu}-L_{\tau}}$ model. Neutrino floor is enhanced for a lighter $Z^{\prime}$ inside the $(g-2)_{\mu}$ allowed parameter space, whereas for a heavier $Z^{\prime}$, enhancement is less significant. The $(g-2)_\mu$ constraint for the GeV scale Fermionic DM makes s-channel resonant annihilation insignificant, placing emphasis on a t-channel reliance to create the observed DM relic. Although a t-channel annihilation aided by relatively large couplings can explain the measured relic density, it increases the direct detection cross-section of the GeV DM. Consequently, super-GeV (with mass $1-10$~GeV) DM almost gets ruled out except for a small parameter region with heavier $Z^{\prime}$, whereas sub-GeV (with mass $0.1-1$~GeV) DM detection possibility remains bright with more detection possibility for heavier $Z^{\prime}$. In our analysis, we have discovered that direct detection constraints have a greater impact on the GeV DM compared to indirect detection measurements.