LHC bounds on interactions of dark matter

Abstract

We derive limits on the interactions of dark matter with quarks from ATLAS null searches for $\mathrm{\text{jets}}+\mathrm{\text{missing energy}}$ based on $\ensuremath{\sim}1\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of integrated luminosity, using a model-insensitive effective theory framework. We find that the new limits from the LHC significantly extend limits previously derived from CDF data at the Tevatron. Translated into the parameter space of direct searches, these limits are particularly effective for $\ensuremath{\sim}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ mass weakly interacting massive particles. Our limits indicate tension with isospin-violating models satisfying minimal flavor violation which attempt to reconcile the purported CoGeNT excess with Xenon-100, indicating that either a light mediator or nontrivial flavor structure for the dark sector is necessary for a viable reconciliation of CoGeNT with Xenon.