Macro detection using fluorescence detectors

Journal Article · 15 February 2019 · Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516/2019/02/037 · OSTI ID:1611261

Sidhu, Jagjit Singh ^[1]; Abraham, Roshan Mammen ^[2]; Covault, Corbin ^[2]; Starkman, Glenn ^[2]

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1. Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland, OH (United States); DOE/OSTI
2. Case Western Reserve Univ., Cleveland, OH (United States)

Macroscopic dark matter (aka macros) constitutes a broad class of alternatives to particulate dark matter. We calculate the luminosity produced by the passage of a single macro as a function of its physical cross section. A general detection scheme is developed for measuring the fluorescence caused by a passing macro in the atmosphere that is applicable to any ground based or space based Fluorescence Detecting (FD) telescopes. In particular, we employ this scheme to constrain the parameter space (σ_x vs M_x) of macros than can be probed by the Pierre Auger Observatory and by the Extreme Universe Space Observatory onboard the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM-EUSO). It is of particular significance that both detectors are sensitive to macros of nuclear density, since most candidates that have been explored (excepting primordial black holes) are expected to be of approximately nuclear density.

• Research Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0009946
• OSTI ID: 1611261
• Journal Information: Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics Journal Issue: 02 Vol. 2019; ISSN 1475-7516
• Publisher: Institute of Physics (IOP)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English