Update on scalar singlet dark matter

Abstract

One of the simplest models of dark matter is where a scalar singlet field $S$ comprises some or all of the dark matter and interacts with the standard model through an $|H{|}^{2}{S}^{2}$ coupling to the Higgs boson. We update the present limits on the model from LHC searches for invisible Higgs decays, the thermal relic density of $S$, and dark matter searches via indirect and direct detection. We point out that the currently allowed parameter space is on the verge of being significantly reduced with the next generation of experiments. We discuss the impact of such constraints on possible applications of scalar singlet dark matter, including a strong electroweak phase transition, and the question of vacuum stability of the Higgs potential at high scales.