Searching For SUSY Dark Matter

Abstract

{\tenrm The possibility of detecting supersymmetric dark matter is examined within the framework of the minimal supergravity model (MSGM), where the $\tilde{Z}_{1}$ is the LSP for almost the entire parameter space. A brief discussion is given of experimental strategies for detecting dark matter. The relic density is constrained to obey 0.10 $\leq \Omega_{\tilde{Z}_{1}}h^2 \leq$0.35, consistent with COBE data. Expected event rates for an array of possible terrestial detectors ($^3$He, CaF$_2$, Ge, GaAs, NaI and Pb) are examined. In general, detectors relying on coherrent $\tilde{Z}_{1}$-nucleus scattering are more sensitive than detectors relying on incoherrent (spin-dependent) scattering. The dependence of the event rates as a function of the SUSY parameters are described. The detectors are generally most sensitive to the small $m_0$ and small $m_{\tilde{q}}$ and large tan$\beta$ part of the parameter space. The current $b\rightarrow s+\gamma$ decay rate eliminates regions of large event rates for $\mu >0$, but allows large event rates to still occur for $\mu<0$. MSGM models that also possess SU(5)-type proton decay generally predict event rates below the expected sensitivity of current dark matter detectors.}