Resurrecting low-mass axion dark matter via a dynamical QCD scale

In the framework where the strong coupling is dynamical, the QCD sector may confine at a much higher temperature than it would in the Standard Model, and the temperature-dependent mass of the QCD axion evolves in a non-trivial way. We find that, depending on the evolution of ΛQCD, the axion field may undergo multiple distinct phases of damping and oscillation leading generically to a suppression of its relic abundance. Such a suppression could therefore open up a wide range of parameter space, resurrecting in particular axion dark-matter models with a large Peccei-Quinn scale fa ≫ 1012 GeV, i.e., with a lighter mass than the standard QCD axion.

Axion fragmentation on the lattice

We analyze the phenomenon of axion fragmentation when an axion field rolls over many oscillations of a periodic potential. This is particularly relevant for the case of relaxion, in which fragmentation provides the necessary energy dissipation to stop the field evolution. We compare the results of a linear analysis with the ones obtained from a classical lattice simulation, finding an agreement in the stopping time of the zero mode between the two within an $$ \mathcal{O}(1) $$ O 1 difference. We finally speculate on the generation of bubbles with different VEVs of the axion field, and discuss their cosmological consequences.

Impedance matching to axion dark matter: considerations of the photon-electron interaction

We introduce the concept of impedance matching to axion dark matter by posing the question of why axion detection is difficult, even though there is enough power in each square meter of incident dark-matter flux to energize a LED light bulb. By quantifying backreaction on the axion field, we show that a small axion-photon coupling does not by itself prevent an order-unity fraction of the dark matter from being absorbed through optimal impedance match. We further show, in contrast, that the electromagnetic charges and the self-impedance of their coupling to photons provide the principal constraint on power absorption integrated across a search band. Using the equations of axion electrodynamics, we demonstrate stringent limitations on absorbed power in linear, time-invariant, passive receivers. Our results yield fundamental constraints, arising from the photon-electron interaction, on improving integrated power absorption beyond the cavity haloscope technique. The analysis also has significant practical implications, showing apparent tension with the sensitivity projections for a number of planned axion searches. We additionally provide a basis for more accurate signal power calculations and calibration models, especially for receivers using multi-wavelength open configurations such as dish antennas and dielectric haloscopes.

R-parity violation axiogenesis

We show that the rotation of the QCD axion field, aided by B−L violation from supersymmetric R-parity violating couplings, can yield the observed baryon abundance. Strong sphaleron processes transfer the angular momentum of the axion field into a quark chiral asymmetry, which R-parity violating couplings convert to the baryon asymmetry of the Universe. We focus on the case of dimensionless R-parity violating couplings with textures motivated by grand unified theories and comment on more general scenarios. The axion decay constant and mass spectrum of supersymmetric particles are constrained by Big Bang nucleosynthesis, proton decay from the R-parity violation, and successful thermalization of the Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking field. Axion dark matter may be produced by the axion rotation via the kinetic misalignment mechanism for axion decay constants below 1010 GeV, or by the conventional misalignment mechanism for 1011-12 GeV. The viable parameter region can be probed by proton decay and axion searches. This scenario may also have connections with collider experiments, including searches for long-lived particles, and observations of gravitational waves.

Tunable dynamical magnetoelectric effect in antiferromagnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 films

Axion was postulated as an elementary particle to solve the strong charge conjugation and parity puzzle, and later axion was also considered to be a possible component of dark matter in the universe. However, the existence of axions in nature has not been confirmed. Interestingly, axions arise out of pseudoscalar fields derived from the Chern–Simons theory in condensed matter physics. In antiferromagnetic insulators, the axion field can become dynamical due to spin-wave excitations and exhibits rich exotic phenomena, such as axion polariton. However, antiferromagnetic dynamical axion insulator has yet been experimentally identified in realistic materials. Very recently, MnBi2Te4 was discovered to be an antiferromagnetic topological insulator with a quantized static axion field protected by inversion symmetry $${\mathcal{P}}$$ P and magnetic-crystalline symmetry $${\mathcal{S}}$$ S . Here, we studied MnBi2Te4 films in which both the $${\mathcal{P}}$$ P and $${\mathcal{S}}$$ S symmetries are spontaneously broken and found that substantially enhanced dynamical magnetoelectric effects could be realized through tuning the thickness of MnBi2Te4 films, temperature, or element substitutions. Our results show that thin films of MnBi2Te4 and related compounds could provide a promising material platform to experimentally study axion electrodynamics.

The Holographic cosmology with axion field

In this paper, we considered an axion F(R) gravity model and described, with the help of holographic principle, the cosmological models of viscous dark fluid coupled with axion matter in a spatially flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe. This description based on generalized infrared-cutoff holographic dark energy was proposed by Nojiri and Odintsov. We explored the Little Rip, the Pseudo Rip, and the power-law bounce cosmological models in terms of the parameters of the inhomogeneous equation of the state of viscous dark fluid and calculated the infrared cutoffs analytically. We represented the energy conservation equation for the dark fluid from a holographic point of view and showed a correspondence between the cosmology of a viscous fluid and holographic cosmology. We analyzed the autonomous dynamic system. In the absence of interaction between fluids, solutions are obtained corresponding to two cases. In the first case, dark energy is missing and the extension describes the component of dark matter. The second case corresponds to cosmological models with an extension due to dark energy. The solutions obtained are investigated for stability. For a cosmological model with the interaction of a special type, the stability of solutions of the dynamic system is also investigated.

Axion searches with two superconducting radio-frequency cavities

We propose an experimental setup to search for Axion-like particles (ALPs) using two superconducting radio-frequency cavities. In this light-shining-through-wall setup the axion is sourced by two modes with large fields and nonzero $$ \overrightarrow{E}\cdot \overrightarrow{B} $$ E → ⋅ B → in an emitter cavity. In a nearby identical cavity only one of these modes, the spectator, is populated while the other is a quiet signal mode. Axions can up-convert off the spectator mode into signal photons. We discuss the physics reach of this setup finding potential to explore new ALP parameter space. Enhanced sensitivity can be achieved if high-level modes can be used, thanks to improved phase matching between the excited modes and the generated axion field. We also discuss the potential leakage noise effects and their mitigation, which is aided by $$ \mathcal{O} $$ O (GHz) separation between the spectator and signal frequencies.

Interaction of the axionic dark matter, dynamic aether, spinor and gravity fields as an origin of oscillations of the fermion effective mass

In the framework of the Einstein–Dirac-axion-aether theory we consider the quartet of self-interacting cosmic fields, which includes the dynamic aether, presented by the unit timelike vector field, the axionic dark mater, described by the pseudoscalar field, the spinor field associated with fermion particles, and the gravity field. The key, associated with the mechanism of self-interaction, is installed into the modified periodic potential of the pseudoscalar (axion) field constructed on the base of a guiding function, which depends on one invariant, one pseudo-invariant and two cross-invariants containing the spinor and vector fields. The total system of the field equations related to the isotropic homogeneous cosmological model is solved; we have found the exact solutions for the guiding function for three cases: nonzero, vanishing and critical values of the cosmological constant. Based on these solutions, we obtained the expressions for the effective mass of spinor particles, interacting with the axionic dark matter and dynamic aether. This effective mass is shown to bear imprints of the cosmological epoch and of the state of the cosmic dark fluid in that epoch.

Recent Progress in the Physics of Axions and Axion-Like Particles

The axion is a light pseudoscalar particle postulated to solve issues with the Standard Model, including the strong CP problem and the origin of dark matter. In recent years, there has been remarkable progress in the physics of axions in several directions. An unusual type of axion-like particle termed the relaxion was proposed as a new solution to the weak scale hierarchy problem. There are also new ideas for laboratory, astrophysical, or cosmological searches for axions; such searches can probe a wide range of model parameters that were previously inaccessible. On the formal theory side, the weak gravity conjecture indicates a tension between quantum gravity and a trans-Planckian axion field excursion. Many of these developments involve axions with hierarchical couplings. In this article, we review recent progress in axion physics, with particular attention paid to hierarchies between axion couplings. We emphasize that the parameter regions of hierarchical axion couplings are the most accessible experimentally. Moreover, such regions are often where important theoretical questions in the field are addressed, and they can result from simple model-building mechanisms. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 41 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Dynamical Piezomagnetic Effect in Time-Reversal-Invariant Weyl Semimetals with Axionic Charge-Density Waves

We predict that dynamical strain can induce a bulk orbital magnetization in time-reversal- (TR-) invariant Weyl semimetals (WSMs) that are gapped by charge-density waves (CDWs) -- a class of systems experimentally observed this past year. We term this effect the ``dynamical piezomagnetic effect" (DPME). By studying the low-energy effective theory and a minimal tight-binding (TB) model, we find that the DPME originates from an effective valley axion field that couples the electromagnetic gauge field with a strain-induced pseudo-gauge field. In particular, the DPME represents the first example of a fundamentally 3D strain effect originating from the Chern-Simons 3-form, in contrast to the previously-studied piezoelectric effects characterized by 2D Berry curvature. We further find that the DPME has a discontinuous change when the surface of the system undergoes a topological quantum phase transition (TQPT), and thus, that the DPME provides a bulk signature of a boundary TQPT in a TR-invariant Weyl-CDW.