Probing the Finely-resolved 100 TeV Gamma-ray Sky for Ultra-heavy Dark Matter

Introduction

Dark100 will shine a light into an underexplored dark matter particle mass range. Driven by recent theoretical developments, both in tools and motivation, Dark100 will search for dark matter particles between 100 TeV and several tens of PeV.

Technology and Methodology

Leveraging novel, cost-effective telescope technology, Dark100 will deploy an array of telescopes capable of probing dark matter annihilation. This initiative aims to improve on the sensitivity of currently operating and planned gamma-ray instruments by an order of magnitude with unprecedented energy and angular resolution.

Data Collection and Analysis

Dark100 will build a unique dataset of deep gamma-ray observations of dark-matter-rich astrophysical systems. Dark matter will potentially be detected, or in the event of non-detection, limits on its velocity-weighted annihilation cross section will be set.

1. For a non-detection, dark matter will be ruled out for part of the probed mass range.
2. Theoretical models will be constrained for the full probed mass range.

Broader Impact

The impact of Dark100 will be felt beyond the dark matter community. By demonstrating a new gamma-ray telescope paradigm, Dark100 will enable a range of possible astrophysical studies with gamma rays above 100 TeV, including:

• Searches for Galactic Pevatrons
• Transient events

Its public data archive will encourage synergy with other gamma-ray instruments.

Conclusion

Dark100 takes advantage of a unique moment in theoretical and technological development that enables its pioneering science goals. While the theoretical motivation is fully developed and the technology is well-tested, the deployment of the Dark100 array and the collection and interpretation of its observations is an ambitious project that demands the resources of an ERC consolidator grant.

The PI's leadership in dark matter searches and gamma-ray analysis and simulation makes her ideally suited to direct this program.