Title: Aspects of Dark Matter Effective Field Theories

Abstract: Dark matter direct detection is an ideal setting for effective field theory (EFT) techniques. After a quick review of direct detection, I will discuss the various effective field theories that emerge in this context. I will also discuss the connections between these EFTs via some illustrative examples. Finally, since the current experiments have not detected a definitive signal of dark matter scattering, I will present a simple model that could be discovered or ruled out in the coming decade. This model serves as a pinnacle atop the tower of EFTs, nicely illustrating the connection between the highest and lowest scales in the problem.

Talk – Video