Dark Matter at Finite Temperature

Explore how dark matter properties change in different astrophysical environments in this high-energy physics seminar. Learn about the fundamental assumption that dark matter's microphysical properties like mass and coupling strength maintain their vacuum values across various scales, and discover why this assumption may not hold in realistic cosmic conditions. Examine how dark matter interactions are influenced by background properties in different astrophysical and cosmological environments, and understand how these effects can significantly alter both dark matter production mechanisms and detection prospects. Delve into the growing field of finite temperature and density calculations for dark matter observables, gaining insight into new production mechanisms that emerge under these conditions. Master a novel formalism developed for calculating these temperature and density effects, providing you with tools to analyze dark matter behavior in realistic cosmic environments rather than idealized vacuum conditions.