Model-independent limits from spin-dependent WIMP dark matter experiments

Spin-dependent weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches have traditionally presented results within an odd group approximation and by suppressing one of the spin-dependent interaction cross sections. We here elaborate on a model-independent analysis in which spin-dependent interactions with both protons and neutrons are simultaneously considered. Within this approach, equivalent current limits on the WIMP-nucleon interaction at WIMP mass of $50\mathrm{GeV}/c^2$ are either ${\sigma }_p\le 0.7\mathrm{pb}$, ${\sigma }_n\le 0.2\mathrm{pb}$ or $|a_p|\le 0.4$, $|a_n|\le 0.7$ depending on the choice of cross section or coupling strength representation. These limits become less restrictive for either larger or smaller masses; they are less restrictive than those from the traditional odd group approximation regardless of WIMP mass. Combinations of experimental results are seen to produce significantly more restrictive limits than those obtained from any single experiment. Experiments traditionally considered spin-independent are moreover found to severely limit the spin-dependent phase space. The extension of this analysis to the case of positive signal experiments is explored.