Solving the cusp-core problem with a novel scalar field dark matter

Abstract

Matos, Guzmn and Nũez (MGN) proposed a model of galactic halo based on an exponential-potential scalar field that could induce a rotation curve that is constant for all radii. We demonstrate that with suitable boundary conditions, such scalar field dark matter (SDM) can not only produce the observed constant rotation curve at large radii but also give rise to the correct power-law scaling near the galactic core region. This solves the existing cusp-core problem faced by the conventional cold dark matter (CDM) model. © 2011 IOP Publishing Ltd and SISSA.