Flavor imprints on novel low mass dark matter

A bstract We present a Majorana scotogenic-like loop framework in which neutrino mass generation and dark matter stability are intrinsically connected to the breaking of the discrete flavor symmetry A 4 . This breaking leads to the emergence of the scoto-seesaw mechanism and a Z 2 symmetry. This naturally explains the solar and atmospheric mass-squared differences, Δ mₛₒₗ² ∆ m sol 2 and Δ mₐₜₘ² ∆ m atm 2 , while simultaneously ensuring dark matter stability. Our model accommodates normal ordering of neutrino masses, with a generalized μ - τ reflection symmetry shaping the structure of leptonic mixing and a lower limit on the lightest neutrino mass. Moreover, the model provides predictions for the octant of θ 23 and a strong correlation between Δ mₛₒₗ² ∆ m sol 2 and Δ mₐₜₘ² ∆ m atm 2 . This correlation puts a lower bound on the fermionic DM mass. In contrast, scalar dark matter remains viable over a broad mass spectrum. A notable feature is that the low mass regime (~ 15 GeV onwards) survives owing to the presence of efficient co-annihilation channels, which are typically absent in the Majorana scotogenic scenario. Additionally, the model aligns with current and future limits from lepton flavor violation experiments.