Massive prompt cusps: A new signature of warm dark matter

Abstract: Every dark matter halo and subhalo is expected to have a prompt $\rho\propto r^{-1.5}$ central density cusp, which is a relic of its condensation out of the smooth mass distribution of the early universe. The sizes of these prompt cusps are linked to the scales of the peaks in the initial density field from which they formed. In warm dark matter (WDM) models, the smoothing scale set by free streaming of the dark matter can result in prompt cusps with masses of order $10^7$ M$_\odot$. We show that WDM models with particle masses ranging from 2 to 6 keV predict prompt cusps that could detectably alter the observed kinematics of Local Group dwarf galaxies. Thus, prompt cusps present a viable new probe of WDM. A prompt cusp's properties are highly sensitive to when it formed, so prospects can be improved with a better understanding of when the haloes of the Local Group dwarfs originally formed. Tidal stripping can also affect prompt cusps, so constraints on satellite galaxy orbits can further tighten WDM inferences.