Dark Atoms of Dark Matter and their Stable Charged Constituents (1111.2887v1)

Abstract: Direct searches for dark matter lead to serious problems for simple models with stable neutral Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) as candidates for dark matter. A possibility is discussed that new stable quarks and charged leptons exist and are hidden from detection, being bound in neutral dark atoms of composite dark matter. Stable -2 charged particles $O^{--}$ are bound with primordial helium in O-helium (OHe) atoms, being specific nuclear interacting form of composite dark matter. The positive results of DAMA experiments can be explained as annual modulation of radiative capture of O-helium by nuclei. In the framework of this approach test of DAMA results in detectors with other chemical content becomes a nontrivial task, while the experimental search of stable charged particles at LHC or in cosmic rays acquires a meaning of direct test for composite dark matter scenario.