Neutrino dark matter candidate in fourth generation scenarios

Abstract

We overview the constraints on the 4th-generation neutrino dark matter candidate and investigate a possible way to make it a viable dark matter candidate. Given the LEP constraints tell us that the 4th-generation neutrino has to be rather heavy (> M-Z/2), in sharp contrast to the other three neutrinos, the underlying nature of the 4th-generation neutrino is expected to be different. We suggest that an additional gauge symmetry B - 4L(4) distinguishes it from the standard model's three lighter neutrinos and this also facilitates promotion of the 4th-generation predominantly right-handed neutrino to a good cold dark matter candidate. It provides distinguishable predictions for the dark matter direct detection and the Large Hadron Collider experiments. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.