Dark Matter + Neutrinos (MVSem)

Astronomical and cosmological observations require the existence of dark matter in our universe. Today, Dark Matter is generally thought to have particle nature, where the dark matter particles have relatively long lifetimes, interact gravitationally and, possibly, also via the weak interaction.

In the Standard Model of particle physics, only neutrinos have the correct properties, but, due to their small mass, neutrinos can only account for a small fraction of the observed Dark Matter in our universe. In extended versions of the standard model sterile neutrinos, in particular keV-sterile neutrinos can contribute as warm dark matter candidates.

Light supersymmetric particles are an example for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) which are candidates for cold darm matter. Other viable dark matter candidates are axions, which have been introduced to solve the strong CP-problem of QCD, or axion-like particles.

The seminar will address the astrophysical and cosmological evidences which led to the postulation of dark matter. It will discuss the most prominent dark matter candidates and the different direct and indirect methods to search for their existence. Particular emphasis is put on the determination of neutrino masses, the search for sterile neutrinos, WIMPS and axions.

Possible seminar topics:

1. DM in the Universe: Rotational curves, Structure formation and CMB, Gravitational lensing
2. DM candidates
3. Indirect searches for DM
4. High and low mass WIMP searches         
5. DM seaches at the LHC
6. Direct neutrinos mass measurements
7. Neutrinoless  double beta decay
8. Coherent neutrino scattering
9. Sterile neutrino searches
10. Axion searches

Remark on  the grading:

For the grading the scientific quality, the didactic presentation and the writeup will be evaluated