Seminar of Department of Theoretical Physics - Josef Pradler (25.3.2025)
Tuesday 25.3.2025 at 14:00, Lecture room F2/125
Dr. Josef Pradler (Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute of High Energy Physics):
Light Dark Matter: showcases from cosmology, astrophysics, and experiment
Abstract:
Astronomical and cosmological observations reveal a persistent discrepancy between the apparent distribution of mass and predictions based on gravity, pointing to the presence of dark matter. In this talk, I will review dark sector candidates in the MeV to GeV mass range. These candidates have driven theoretical innovation and experimental progress while offering astrophysical and cosmological implications that complement those of electroweak-scale dark matter and ultralight candidates such as axions. I will present the general picture, discuss recent developments and outstanding challenges-from theoretical constraints to experimental detection strategies-and highlight ongoing efforts aimed at further illuminating the dark sector.