October 13, 2025Open Access

Possible origin of the KM3-230213A neutrino event from dark matter decay

Key Points

The study identifies a possible origin for a 220 PeV neutrino event linked to dark matter decay.
A dark matter mass of 440 PeV is proposed to explain the observed neutrino flux while adhering to gamma-ray bounds.
The analysis considers different dark matter scenarios, indicating a possible $3\sigma$ confidence level explanation for the KM3NeT event.
Insights into heavy right handed neutrino dark matter suggest alternative interactions could alleviate gamma-ray constraints.

Abstract

We study the possibility of the highest energy neutrino event with 220 PeV energy, detected recently by the KM3NeT experiment to be originating from heavy dark matter (DM) decay. Considering a heavy right handed neutrino (RHN) DM for illustrative purpose, we show that DM mass of 440 PeV, can explain the observed flux. The required DM lifetime to produce the best-fit value of the neutrino flux saturates the existing gamma-ray bounds. Due to the large uncertainty in the flux, it is possible to explain the KM3NeT event from RHN DM decay at 3 confidence level (CL) while being in agreement with gamma-ray bounds and non-observation of similar events at IceCube. While we consider a gauged B-L scenario where DM relic can be generated due to other interactions, we also briefly discuss some alternate DM possibilities where the gamma-ray bounds can be alleviated compared to the minimal RHN DM discussed here.

Read Full Paperexternally

Demander à l'IA

Bookmark

View Full Paper