Scattering versus collider production of dark matter (source code)

= Scattering versus collider production of dark matter

A low-momentum dark-matter–<nucleon> elastic <cross section> and a high-energy collider pair-production <cross section> are different observables. Crossing of amplitudes does not equate their numerical values. Mediator <masses>, couplings, <nuclear matrix elements>, parton distributions and kinematics enter the relation. Collider sensitivity further requires a trigger, visible recoil, acceptance and background treatment. Multiplying a direct-detection <cross section> by collider <luminosity> is therefore only a hypothetical dimensional estimate unless a production model justifies the substitution.