Constraints on energy scales from dark matter decay in a gauged $B-L$ model

Abstract

Popular extensions of the standard model of particle physics feature new fields and symmetries which could, for example, dynamically generate neutrino masses from $B-L$ spontaneous symmetry breaking. If a new light scalar that decays into dark radiation appears in the spectrum of the theory, it could significantly modify the cosmological observables. In this case, cold dark matter could have a stable and a decaying component and limits on its decay rate $\Gamma_{\rm dcdm}$ can be used to put constraints on the new energy scales of a given model. We illustrate this idea using a gauged $B-L$ model where the dark radiation is in the form of light neutrinos.