Implications of Recent Nucleon Spin Structure Measurements for Neutralino Dark Matter Detection

Abstract

Predicted rates for direct and indirect detection of dark-matter neutralinos depend in general on the spin content of the nucleon. Neutralinos that are predominantly $B$-ino are the likeliest candidates for detection via spin-dependent interactions. Uncertainties in the measured spin content of the nucleon may lead to dramatic uncertainties in the rates for detection of $B$-inos by scattering off of nuclei with unpaired neutrons. Rates for spin-dependent scattering of $B$-inos off of nuclei with unpaired protons are far more robust, as are rates for capture of $B$-inos in the Sun.