In this article, we delve into a fascinating research study named “Cladogenesis: Baryon-Dark Matter Coincidence from Branchings in Moduli Decay.” Conducted by Rouzbeh Allahverdi, Bhaskar Dutta, and Kuver Sinha, this research addresses the common origin of baryons and dark matter in the universe. By exploring the complex concepts presented in the paper, we aim to shed light on cladogenesis, the production mechanisms of baryon asymmetry, the creation of dark matter, and the factors that regulate their abundances.
What is Cladogenesis?
Cladogenesis, in the context of this research, refers to the process that gives rise to both baryons and dark matter. The principle behind cladogenesis lies in the late-time decay of moduli, which are particles at the TeV scale. Moduli decay acts as a source for both baryons and dark matter, initiating a fascinating connection between the two.
How is Baryon Asymmetry Produced?
Baryons are the building blocks of matter, encompassing protons and neutrons that construct atomic nuclei. One of the fundamental puzzles in cosmology is the asymmetry between baryonic matter and antibaryonic matter in the universe. The research proposes that the baryon asymmetry can be generated through the decay of new TeV scale particles, occurring during late times in the universe.
This process involves the decay of specific particles, resulting in the production of more baryons than antibaryons. By understanding the branching fractions of the modulus decay, the research team predicts that the baryon asymmetry can be naturally explained within this framework.
How is Dark Matter Created?
Dark matter, on the other hand, is an elusive and mysterious component of the universe. It is invisible and does not interact with electromagnetic radiation, rendering it undetectable through conventional means. The research proposes that dark matter is created through the (chain) decay of R-parity odd particles.
The intriguing aspect of this mechanism is that dark matter does not undergo annihilation, unlike traditional dark matter production scenarios. Instead, it emerges as a direct outcome of the decay process. By connecting the decay of R-parity odd particles to the moduli decay, the researchers present a compelling framework that could explain the origin of dark matter.
What Controls the Baryon and Dark Matter Abundances?
In this research, the quantities of baryons and dark matter abundances are primarily governed by the dilution factor resulting from moduli decay. The dilution factor typically falls within the range of 10^(-9) to 10^(-7). The precise densities of baryons and dark matter are determined by the branching fractions associated with modulus decay.
These branching fractions, in the absence of symmetries, are expected to be of similar magnitudes. Hence, there is a tight correlation between the production rates of baryons and dark matter. This framework offers insight into the interconnected nature of these two components and provides a potential explanation for their relative abundances.
Can This Scenario Explain the Observed Baryon Asymmetry and Dark Matter Abundance?
One of the crucial questions in the realm of cosmology is whether this cladogenesis scenario can account for the observed baryon asymmetry and the estimated abundance of dark matter. The research suggests that this framework has the potential to address both aspects.
The predicted outcomes of this theory align well with the observed excess of baryons over antibaryons in the universe. Furthermore, by considering reasonable parameters for the suppression of two-body decays of the modulus, this scenario can also reproduce the correct abundance of dark matter within a mass range of 5-500 GeV.
Overall, the cladogenesis proposal presented in this research article provides a compelling framework to explain both the baryon asymmetry and dark matter abundance. By linking the late-time moduli decay to the production of baryons and dark matter, this study offers a potential breakthrough in understanding the origins and interconnections within the universe.
It is important to note that this research opens up new avenues for further exploration and investigation. The implications of this discovery are far-reaching, as it could enhance our knowledge of baryogenesis, the matter-antimatter asymmetry puzzle, and the nature of dark matter. These insights may contribute to the ongoing efforts in understanding the fundamental mechanisms governing the universe.
For more detailed information, please refer to the original research article: https://arxiv.org/abs/1011.1286
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