Indirect Dark Matter Detection Using Cherenkov Telescopes

The topic of this report pertains to the detection and analysis of γ-rays emitted from the galactic center (GC) using the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS), a Cherenkov array system. The specific cause of γ-ray production around this region is speculated to be Dark Matter (DM). DM is an extension of the current standard model. The evidence for DM is so plentiful, astrophysicists have begun the search. DM does not interact with the electromagnetic force, so information about DM must be extracted in indirect ways. The focus of this project is indirect detection, using Cherenkov radiation produced in the atmosphere. By appealing to the Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) model we can assume DM self-annihilates to produce standard model particles, such as γ-rays, we can look for these high energy photons coming from regions of the universe where DM is expected to be dense, and therefore annihilate more frequently. The VERITAS telescopes are designed with hard ware and software to discriminate Cherenkov light produced by high energy particles hitting atmospheric particles, from other light sources. With these discrimination methods, DM can be studied and better understood. My analysis covers a region of the GC where DM is expected to be dense. With the software program, Vegas, I was able to analyze over 3303 minutes of GC data.