Variations on the vev flip-flop: instantaneous freeze-out and decaying dark matter

Abstract

In this work we consider a simple model for dark matter and identify regions of parameter space where the relic abundance is set via kinematic thresholds, which open and close due to thermal effects. We discuss instantaneous freeze-out, where dark matter suddenly freezes-out when the channel connecting dark matter to the thermal bath closes, and decaying dark matter, where dark matter freezes-out while relativistic and later decays when a kinematic threshold temporarily opens. These mechanisms can occur in the vicinity of a one-step or a two-step phase transition. In all cases thermal effects provide this dynamic behaviour, while ensuring that dark matter remains stable until the present day.