Framework for Indirect Dark Matter Search with Gamma Rays

This chapter describes the framework and its ingredients which are needed to search for a Dark Matter (DM) signal with gamma-rays. After a quick overview of how Very-High-Energy gamma-rays can be used to probe physics beyond the standard model, the expected gamma-ray flux from annihilating DM as well as the most promising astrophysical environments to seek it are described. A focus on the expected DM distribution at the Galactic scale is maintained since the analyses shown in the following Chapters make use of observations of the inner halo of the Milky Way. The derivation of the “J-factor”—the DM distribution in the observed target—with illustrative examples is presented, as well as the expected annihilation spectra from observations of the Milky Way for several DM annihilation channels. Some hints on the particle physics and astrophysical effects that can boost the DM signal are discussed.