Exploring vector dark matter via effective interactions

Abstract We explore the properties of vector dark matter (DM) particles that predominantly interact with Standard Model (SM) electroweak gauge bosons using an effective field theory approach. The study emphasizes effective contact interactions, invariant under the SM gauge group, between vector DM and SM-neutral electroweak gauge bosons. Focusing on interaction terms up to dimension-eight, we establish constraints on the model parameters based on the observed DM relic density and indirect detection signals. We also examine the prospects for dark matter-nucleon scattering in direct detection experiments. In addition, we analyze the sensitivity of low-energy LEP data to the pair production of light DM particles (with masses up to 80 GeV). Finally, we assess the potential of the proposed International Linear Collider to probe these effective operators through the detection of DM particles produced in association with mono-photons.