Simplified dark matter top-quark interactions at the LHC

Abstract: Stringent limits on the interactions between dark matter (DM) and the standard model can be set by studying how initial-state or final-state particles recoil against missing transverse energy (MET). In this work, we improve, extend and correct LHC constraints on the interactions between DM and top quarks that are mediated by the exchange of spin-0 s-channel resonances. A comparison of the LHC run-1 sensitivity of the two main search channels is presented, which shows that mono-jet searches are typically more restrictive than the MET + tbar t searches. We furthermore explore the reach of the 14 TeV LHC. The collider constraints are compared to the restrictions arising from direct and indirect detection as well as the DM relic abundance, and we also reflect on effective field theory interpretations of the LHC exclusions.