SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “ASYMMETRY”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 865 records · Page 48

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2020

A supersymmetric theory of baryogenesis and sterile sneutrino dark matter from B mesons

Low-scale baryogenesis and dark matter generation can occur via the production of neutral B mesons at MeV temperatures in the early Universe, which undergo CP-violating oscillations and subsequently decay into a dark sector. In this work, we discuss the consequences of realizing this mechanism in a supersymmetric model with an unbroken U(1) R symmetry which is identified with baryon number. B mesons decay into a dark sector through a baryon number conserving operator mediated by TeV scale squarks and a GeV scale Dirac bino. The dark sector particles can be identified with sterile neutrinos and their superpartners in a type-I seesaw framework for neutrino masses. The sterile sneutrinos are sufficiently long lived and constitute the dark matter. The produced matter-antimatter asymmetry is directly related to observables measurable at B factories and hadron colliders, the most relevant of which are the semileptonic-leptonic asymmetries in neutral B meson systems and the inclusive branching fraction of B mesons into hadrons and missing energy. We discuss model independent constraints on these experimental observables before quoting predictions made in the supersymmetric context. Constraints from astrophysics, neutrino physics and flavor observables are studied, as are potential LHC signals with a focus on novel long lived particle searches which are directly linked to properties of the dark sector.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Test of lepton flavor universality and search for lepton flavor violation in B → Kℓℓ decays

We present measurements of the branching fractions for the decays B → Kμ + μ - and B → Ke + e - , and their ratio (R K ), using a data sample of 711 fb -1 that contains 772 × 10 6 B$\bar{B}$ events. The data were collected at the Υ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e - collider. The ratio R K is measured in five bins of dilepton invariant-mass-squared (q 2 ): q 2 $\epsilon$ (0.1, 4.0), (4.00, 8.12), (1.0, 6.0), (10.2, 12.8) and (> 14.18) GeV 2 /c 4 , along with the whole q 2 region. The R K value for q 2 $\epsilon$ (1.0, 6.0) GeV 2 /c 4 is 1.03$^{+0.28}_{-0.24}$ ± 0.01. The first and second uncertainties listed are statistical and systematic, respectively. All results for RK are consistent with Standard Model predictions. We also measure CP-averaged isospin asymmetries in the same q 2 bins. The results are consistent with a null asymmetry, with the largest difference of 2.6 standard deviations occurring for the q 2 $\epsilon$ (1.0, 6.0) GeV 2 /c 4 bin in the mode with muon final states. The measured differential branching fractions, dB/dq 2 , are consistent with theoretical predictions for charged B decays, while the corresponding values are below the expectations for neutral B decays. We have also searched for lepton-flavor-violating B → Kμ ± e ∓ decays and set 90% confidence-level upper limits on the branching fraction in the range of 10 -8 for B + → K + μ ± e ∓ , and B 0 → K 0 μ ± e ∓ modes.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2022

Dark freeze-out cogenesis

We propose a new mechanism where a multi-component dark sector generates the observed dark matter abundance and baryon asymmetry and thus addresses the coincidence between the two. The thermal freeze-out of dark matter annihilating into meta-stable dark partners sets the dark matter relic abundance while providing the out-of-equilibrium condition for baryogenesis. The meta-stable state triggers baryon asymmetry production by its decay well after the freeze-out and potentially induces a period of early matter domination before its decay. The dark matter and baryon abundances are related through number conservation within the dark sector (cogenesis). The “coincidence” is a natural outcome with GeV- to TeV-scale symmetric dark matter and the dark sector’s interactions with the Standard Model quarks. We present a UV-complete model and explore its phenomenological predictions, including dark matter direct detection signals, LHC signatures of new massive particles with color charges and long-lived particles with displaced vertices, dark matter-induced nucleon conversions, (exotic) dark matter indirect detection signals, and effects on the cosmological matter power spectrum. As a side result, we provide a novel analytical treatment for dark sector freeze-out, which may prove useful in the study of related scenarios.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2024

Polarized fragmenting jet functions in inclusive and exclusive jet production

Abstract In this work, we present a complete theoretical framework for analyzing the distribution of polarized hadrons within jets, with and without measuring the transverse momentum relative to the standard jet axis. Using soft-collinear effective theory (SCET), we derive the factorization and provide the theoretical calculation of both semi-inclusive and exclusive fragmenting jet functions (FJFs) under longitudinal and transverse polarization. With the polarized FJFs, one gains access to a variety of new observables that can be used for extracting both collinear and transverse momentum dependent parton distribution functions (PDFs) and fragmentation functions (FFs). As examples, we provide numerical results for the spin asymmetry$$ {A}_{TU,T}^{\cos \left({\phi}_S-{\hat{\phi}}_{S_h}\right)} $$ A TU , T cos ϕ S − ϕ ̂ S h from polarized semi-inclusive hadron-in-jet production in polarizedppcollisions at RHIC kinematics, where a transversely polarized quark would lead to the transverse spin of the final-state hadron inside the jet and is thus sensitive to the transversity fragmentation functions. Similarly, another spin asymmetry,$$ {A}_{TU,L}^{\cos \left({\phi}_q-{\phi}_S\right)} $$ A TU , L cos ϕ q − ϕ S from polarized exclusive hadron-in-jet production in polarizedepcollisions at EIC kinematics would allow us to access the helicity fragmentation functions. These observables demonstrate promising potential in investigating transverse momentum dependent PDFs and FFs and are worthwhile for further measurements.

Physics↗

DOE OSTI2022

Lepto-axiogenesis in minimal $\mathrm{SUSY}$ $\mathrm{KSVZ}$ model

We study the lepto-axiogenesis scenario in the minimal supersymmetric KSVZ axion model. Only one Peccei-Quinn (PQ) field and vector-like fields are introduced besides the MSSM with the type-I see-saw mechanism. The PQ field is stabilized by the radiative correction induced by the Yukawa couplings with the vector-like fields introduced in the KSVZ model. We develop a way to follow the dynamics of the PQ field, in particular we found a semi-analytical solution which describes the rotational motion under the log-arithmic potential with including the thermalization effect via the gluon scattering which preserves the PQ symmetry. Based on the solution, we studied the baryon asymmetry, the effective number of neutrino, and the dark matter density composed of the axion and the neutralino. We found that the baryon asymmetry is successfully explained when the mass of PQ field is $\mathcal{O}$(10 6 GeV) ($\mathcal{O}$(10 5 GeV)) with the power of the PQ breaking term being 10 (8).

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2026

Inclusive and differential measurements of the $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}\mathcal{γ}$ cross section and the $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}\mathcal{γ}/\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}$ cross section ratio in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV

Inclusive and differential cross section measurements of top quark pair $(\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}})$ production in association with a photon (γ) are performed as a function of lepton, photon, top quark, and $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}$ kinematic observables, using data from proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb −1 , collected at the CERN LHC with the CMS detector. Events containing two leptons (electrons or muons) and a photon in the final state are considered. The fiducial cross section of $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}$γ is measured to be 137 ± 8 fb, in a phase space including events with a high momentum, isolated photon. The fiducial cross section of $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}$γ is also measured to be 56 ± 5 fb when considering only events where the photon is emitted in the production part of the process. Both measurements are in agreement with the theoretical predictions, of 126 ± 19 fb and 57 ± 5 fb, respectively. Differential measurements are performed at the particle and parton levels. Additionally, inclusive and differential ratios between the cross sections of $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}$γ and $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}$ production are measured. The inclusive ratio is found to be 0.0133 ± 0.0005, in agreement with the standard model prediction of 0.0127 ± 0.0008. The top quark charge asymmetry in $\textrm{t}\overline{\textrm{t}}$γ production is also measured to be −0.012 ± 0.042, compatible with both the standard model prediction and with no asymmetry.

Hadron-Hadron Scattering↗

DOE OSTI2022

Type II Seesaw leptogenesis

The Type II Seesaw Mechanism provides a minimal framework to explain the neutrino masses involving the introduction of a single triplet Higgs to the Standard Model. However, this simple extension was believed to be unable to successfully explain the observed baryon asymmetry of the universe through Leptogenesis. In our previous work (Phys. Rev. Lett. 128 (2022) 141801), we demonstrated that the triplet Higgs of the Type II Seesaw Mechanism alone can simultaneously generate the observed baryon asymmetry of the universe and the neutrino masses while playing a role in setting up Inflation. This is achievable with a triplet Higgs mass as low as 1 TeV, and predicts that the neutral component obtains a small vacuum expectation value $v_Δ$ < 10 keV. We find that our model has very rich phenomenology and can be tested by various terrestrial experiments as well as by astronomical observations. Particularly, we show that the successful parameter region may be probed at a future 100 TeV collider, upcoming lepton flavor violation experiments such as Mu3e, and neutrinoless double beta decay experiments. Additionally, the tensor-to-scalar ratio from the inflationary scenario will be probed by the LiteBIRD telescope, and observable isocurvature perturbations may be produced for some parameter choices. In this article, we present all the technical details of our calculations and further discussion of its phenomenological implications.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Search for CP violation in $D^{+}_{(s)}\to h^{+} \pi^{0}$ and $D^{+}_{(s)}\to h^{+}\eta$ decays

Searches for CP violation in the two-body decays $D^{+}_{(s)}\to h^{+} \pi^{0}$ and $D^{+}_{(s)}\to h^{+}\eta$ (where h + denotes a π + or K + meson) are performed using pp collision data collected by the LHCb experiment corresponding to either 9 fb –1 or 6 fb –1 of integrated luminosity. The π 0 and η mesons are reconstructed using the e + e – γ final state, which can proceed as three-body decays π 0 → e + e – γ and η → e + e – γ, or via the two-body decays π 0 → γγ and η → γγ followed by a photon conversion. The measurements are made relative to the control modes $D^{+}_{(s)}\to K^{0}_{S}h^{+}$ to cancel the production and detection asymmetries. The CP asymmetries are measured to be A CP (D + →π + π 0 )=(–1.3±0.9±0.6)%, A CP (D + →K + π 0 )=(–3.2±4.7±2.1)%, A CP (D + →π + η)=(–0.2±0.8±0.4)%, A CP (D + →K + η)=(–6±10±4)%, A CP (D$^{+}_{s}$→K + π 0 )=(–0.8±3.9±1.2)%, A CP (D$^{+}_{s}$→π + η)=(0.8±0.7±0.5)%, A CP (D$^{+}_{s}$→K + η)=(0.9±3.7±1.1)%, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. These results are consistent with no CP violation and mostly constitute the most precise measurements of A CP in these decay modes to date.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Constraints on the CKM angle γ from B ± → Dh ± decays using D → h ± h' ∓ π 0 final states

A data sample collected with the LHCb detector corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb –1 is used to measure eleven CP violation observables in B ± → Dh ± decays, where h is either a kaon or a pion. The neutral D meson decay is reconstructed in the three-body final states: K ± π ∓ π o ; π + π – π o ; K + K – π o and the suppressed π ± K ∓ π o combination. The mode where a large CP asymmetry is expected, B ± → [π ± K ∓ π o ] D K ± , is observed with a significance greater than seven standard deviations. The ratio of the partial width of this mode relative to that of the favoured mode, B ± → [K ± π ∓ π o ] D K ± , is R ADS(K) = (1.27 ± 0.16 ± 0.02) × 10 –2 . Evidence for a large CP asymmetry is also seen: A ADS(K) = –0.38 ± 0.12 ± 0.02. Constraints on the CKM angle γ are calculated from the eleven reported observables.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2024

Study of η′ → π+π−l+l− decays at BESIII

Abstract With a sample of (10087±44)×10 6 J/ψevents accumulated with the BESIII detector, we analyze the decaysη′→ π + π − l + l − (l=e, μ) via the processJ/ψ → γη′. The branching fractions are measured to be$$ \mathcal{B} $$ B (η′→ π + π − e + e − ) = (2.45±0.02(stat.)±0.08(syst.))×10 −3 and$$ \mathcal{B} $$ B (η′→ π + π − μ + μ − ) = (2.16±0.12(stat.)±0.06(syst.))×10 −5 , and the ratio is$$ \frac{\mathcal{B}\left({\eta}^{\prime}\to {\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}{e}^{+}{e}^{-}\right)}{\mathcal{B}\left({\eta}^{\prime}\to {\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}{\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\right)}=113.4\pm 0.9\left(\textrm{stat}.\right)\pm 3.7\left(\textrm{syst}.\right) $$ B η ′ → π + π − e + e − B η ′ → π + π − μ + μ − = 113.4 ± 0.9 stat . ± 3.7 syst . . In addition, by combining theη′ →π + π − e + e − andη′ →π + π − μ + μ − decays, the slope parameter of the electromagnetic transition form factor is measured to beb η′ = 1.30 ± 0.19 (GeV/c 2 ) −2 , which is consistent with previous measurements from BESIII and theoretical predictions from the VMD model. The asymmetry in the angle between theπ + π − andl + l − decay planes, which has the potential to reveal theCP-violation originating from an unconventional electric dipole transition, is also investigated. The asymmetry parameters are determined to be$$ {\mathcal{A}}_{CP}\left({\eta}^{\prime}\to {\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}{e}^{+}{e}^{-}\right)=\left(-0.21\pm 0.73\left(\textrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.01\left(\textrm{syst}.\right)\right)\% $$ A CP η ′ → π + π − e + e − = − 0.21 ± 0.73 stat . ± 0.01 syst . % and$$ {\mathcal{A}}_{CP}\left({\eta}^{\prime}\to {\pi}^{+}{\pi}^{-}{\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\right)=\left(0.62\pm 4.71\left(\textrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.08\left(\textrm{syst}.\right)\right)\% $$ A CP η ′ → π + π − μ + μ − = 0.62 ± 4.71 stat . ± 0.08 syst . % , implying that no evidence ofCP-violation is observed at the present statistics. Finally, an axion-like particle is searched for via the decayη′ →π + π − a, a→e + e − , and upper limits of the branching fractions are presented for the mass assumptions of the axion-like particle in the range of 0−500 MeV/c 2 .

Physics↗

DOE OSTI2025

Lepto-axiogenesis with light right-handed neutrinos

We study lepto-axiogenesis in theories where the right-handed neutrino is light enough that its dynamics affect the determination of the baryon asymmetry. When compared with theories of high-scale lepto-axiogenesis where the Majorana neutrino mass may be treated as an effective dimension-five operator, we find that the predicted saxion mass is lower. Two distinct scenarios emerge. In the first, processes that generate the baryon asymmetry are in equilibrium down to the mass of the right-handed neutrino. In the second, the relevant processes never reach equilibrium; the baryon number freezes in. We comment on implications for supersymmetric spectra and discuss constraints on late decays of supersymmetric relics and from dark radiation. In contrast to high-scale lepto-axiogenesis, which predicts superpartners with masses of 10–100 TeV or more, we find this scenario is consistent with a wider range of superpartner masses, all the way down to current direct search bounds.

Axions and ALPs↗

DOE OSTI2021

Measurement of branching fractions and search for CP violation in $D^0 → π^+π^-η, D^0 → K^+K^-η$, and $D^0 → Φη$ at Belle

We measure the branching fractions and CP asymmetries for the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays $D^0 → π^+π^-η, D^0 → K^+K^-η$, and $D^0 → Φη$, using 980 fb -1 of data from the Belle experiment at the KEKB e + e - collider. We obtain $$\mathcal{B}(D^0 → π^+π^-η = \mathrm{[1.22 ± 0.02 (stat) ± 0.02(syst) ± 0.03}(\mathcal{B}_{\mathrm{ref}})] \mathrm{x 10^{-3}}$$ $$\mathcal{B}(D^0 → K^+K^-η = \mathrm{[1.80^{+0.07}_{-0.06}(stat) ± 0.04 (syst) ± 0.05}(\mathcal{B}_{\mathrm{ref}})] \mathrm{x 10^{-4}}$$ $$\mathcal{B}(D^0 → Φη = \mathrm{[1.84 ± 0.09 (stat) ± 0.0 (syst) ± 0.05}(\mathcal{B}_{\mathrm{ref}})] \mathrm{x 10^{-4}}$$ where the third uncertainty ($\mathcal{B}_{\mathrm{ref}}$) is from the uncertainty in the branching fraction of the reference mode $D^0 → K^-π^+η$. The color-suppressed decay $D^0 → Φη$ is observed for the first time, with very high significance. The results for the CP asymmetries are $$A_{CP} (D^0 → π^+π^-η) = \mathrm{[0.9 ± 1.2 (stat) ± 0.5 (syst)]}\%$$ $$A_{CP} (D^0 → K^+K^-η) = \mathrm{[-1.4 ± 3.3 (stat) ± 1.1 (syst)]}\%$$ $$A_{CP} (D^0 → Φη) = \mathrm{[-1.9 ± 4.4 (stat) ± 0.6 (syst)]}\%$$ The results for $D^0 → π^+π^-η$ are a significant improvement over previous results. The branching fraction and A CP results for $D^0 → K^+K^-η$, and the ACP result for $D^0 → Φη$, are the first such measurements. No evidence for CP violation is found in any of these decays.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2025

Leptogenesis in automatic Nelson-Barr models

In this study, we numerically show that automatic Nelson-Barr models with new chiral fermions can simultaneously solve the strong CP problem and generate the observed baryon asymmetry via high-scale leptogenesis. In these models, all CP violation arises from a single spontaneous symmetry-breaking scale, linking the origin of quark and lepton CP phases. Using conservative assumptions and minimal dynamics, we identify a viable parameter window where successful leptogenesis occurs without spoiling the quality of the strong CP solution. Models with vector-like fermions face tension within this leptogenesis scenario. A key prediction is a correlation between the baryon asymmetry and the induced QCD vacuum angle shift. Remarkably, we find that the majority of the available parameter space is within reach of current and future nucleon EDM experiments.

CP violation↗

DOE OSTI2021

Catalyzed baryogenesis

A novel mechanism, “catalyzed baryogenesis”, is proposed to explain the observed baryon asymmetry in our universe. In this mechanism, the motion of a ball-like catalyst provides the necessary out-of-equilibrium condition, its outer wall has CP-violating interactions with the Standard Model particles, and its interior has baryon number violating interactions. We use the electroweak-symmetric ball model as an example of such a catalyst. In this model, electroweak sphalerons inside the ball are active and convert baryons into leptons. The observed baryon number asymmetry can be produced for a light ball mass and a large ball radius. Due to direct detection constraints on relic balls, we consider a scenario in which the balls evaporate, leading to dark radiation at testable levels.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2022

Origin of nontopological soliton dark matter: solitosynthesis or phase transition

This work demonstrates that nontopological solitons with large global charges and masses, even above the Planck scale, can form in the early universe and dominate the dark matter abundance. In solitosynthesis, solitons prefer to grow as large as possible under equilibrium dynamics when an initial global charge asymmetry is present. Their abundance is set by when soliton formation via particle fusion freezes out, and their charges are set by the time it takes to accumulate free particles. This work improves the estimation of both quantities, and in particular shows that much larger-charged solitons form than previously thought. The results are estimated analytically and validated numerically by solving the coupled Boltzmann equations. Without solitosynthesis, phase transitions can still form solitons from particles left inside false-vacuum pockets and determine their present-day abundance and properties. Even with zero charge asymmetry, solitons formed in this way can have very large charges on account of statistical fluctuations in the numbers of (anti)particles inside each pocket.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2021

R -parity violation axiogenesis

We show that the rotation of the QCD axion field, aided by B–L violation from supersymmetric R-parity violating couplings, can yield the observed baryon abundance. Strong sphaleron processes transfer the angular momentum of the axion field into a quark chiral asymmetry, which R-parity violating couplings convert to the baryon asymmetry of the Universe. We focus on the case of dimensionless R-parity violating couplings with textures motivated by grand unified theories and comment on more general scenarios. The axion decay constant and mass spectrum of supersymmetric particles are constrained by Big Bang nucleosynthesis, proton decay from the R-parity violation, and successful thermalization of the Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking field. Axion dark matter may be produced by the axion rotation via the kinetic misalignment mechanism for axion decay constants below 10 10 GeV, or by the conventional misalignment mechanism for 10 11-12 GeV. The viable parameter region can be probed by proton decay and axion searches. This scenario may also have connections with collider experiments, including searches for long-lived particles, and observations of gravitational waves.

Beyond Standard Model↗

DOE OSTI2020

Strong constraints on the b → sγ photon polarisation from B0 → K*0e+e-decays

An angular analysis of the B 0 → K* 0 e + e - decay is performed using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 fb - 1 of pp collisions collected with the LHCb experiment. The analysis is conducted in the very low dielectron mass squared ( q 2 ) interval between 0 . 0008 and 0 . 257 GeV 2 , where the rate is dominated by the B 0 → K * 0 γ transition with a virtual photon. The fraction of longitudinal polarisation of the K * 0 meson, F L , is measured to be F L = (4 . 4 ± 2 . 6 ± 1 . 4)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Re}} $ observable, which is related to the lepton forward-backward asymmetry, is measured to be $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Re}} $ = - 0 . 06 ± 0 . 08 ± 0 . 02. The $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{(2)} $ and $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Im}} $ transverse asymmetries, which are sensitive to the virtual photon polarisation, are found to be $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{(2)} $ = 0 . 11 ± 0 . 10 ± 0 . 02 and $ {A}_{\mathrm{T}}^{\mathrm{Im}} $ = 0 . 02 ± 0 . 10 ± 0 . 01. The results are consistent with Standard Model predictions and provide the world’s best constraint on the b → sγ photon polarisation.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Gravity as a portal to reheating, leptogenesis and dark matter

We show that a minimal scenario, utilizing only the graviton as an intermediate messenger between the inflaton, the dark sector and the Standard Model (SM), is able to generate simultaneously the observed relic density of dark matter (DM), the baryon asymmetry through leptogenesis, as well as a sufficiently hot thermal bath after inflation. We assume an inflaton potential of the form V(Φ) ∝ Φ k about the minimum at the end of inflation. The possibility of reheating via minimal gravitational interactions has been excluded by constraints on dark radiation for excessive gravitational waves produced from inflation. We thus extend the minimal model in several ways: i) we consider non-minimal gravitational couplings — this points to the parameter range of DM masses M N 1 ≃ 2–10 PeV, and right-handed neutrino masses M N 2 ≃ (5–20) × 10 11 GeV, and T RH ≲ 3 × 10 5 GeV (for k ≤ 20); ii) we propose an explanation for the PeV excess observed by IceCube when the DM has a direct but small Yukawa coupling to the SM; and iii) we also propose a novel scenario, where the gravitational production of DM is a two-step process, first through the production of two scalars, which then decay to fermionic DM final states. In this case, the absence of a helicity suppression enhances the production of DM and baryon asymmetry, and allows a great range for the parameters including a dark matter mass below an MeV where dark matter warmness can be observable by cosmic 21-cm lines, even when gravitational interactions are responsible for reheating. We also show that detectable primordial gravitational wave signals provide the opportunity to probe this scenario for T RH ≲ 5 × 10 6 GeV in future experiments, such as BBO, DECIGO, CE and ET.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗