Dark matter semi-annihilation for inert scalar multiplets

Abstract

Dark matter semi-annihilation is a process through which two dark matter candidates annihilate to a single dark matter particle and a non-dark matter particle. Such processes are common when the symmetry stabilizing the dark matter differs from $\mathbb{Z}_2$ and can lead to qualitatively different phenomenology. In this work, we study the viability of semi-annihilation models including one or two inert multiplets. For one multiplet, we show that there does not exist any viable model in which semi-annihilation is efficient. For two multiplets, semi-annihilation can be efficient, but the number of viable and technically natural models is limited. We then perform a detailed study of the most promising model, showing that the correct relic abundance can be obtained for a wide range of masses.