Solar System Probes for Scalar Field Dark Matter

Abstract

Scalar field dark matter provides us with a well motivated alternative to conventional particle dark matter, especially when ultralight fields form coherent oscillations or compact self gravitating clumps. Here we develop three complementary Solar System and local Galactic level probes of such models. These probes pertain to ADAF-like flares from scalar clump encounters with Kuiper Belt Objects, atomic clock searches for oscillatory variations of fundamental constants and astrometric microlensing by compact scalar clumps. We derive simple sensitivity estimates and null detection bounds on the scalar clump fraction, clock couplings and compact lens abundance. Our results show that Gaia-like astrometry can probe compact scalar clumps at the percent level near $M_s\gtrsim10^{-2}M_\odot$, while future astrometric and clock experiments can extend the reach to lower masses and weaker couplings.