| Record |
Author  |
Huang, J.W.; Madden, A.; Racco, D.; Reig, M. |
| Title |
Maximal axion misalignment from a minimal model |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2020 |
Publication |
Journal of High Energy Physics |
Abbreviated Journal |
J. High Energy Phys. |
| Volume |
10 |
Issue |
10 |
Pages |
143 - 39pp |
| Keywords |
Beyond Standard Model; Cosmology of Theories beyond the SM |
| Abstract |
The QCD axion is one of the best motivated dark matter candidates. The misalignment mechanism is well known to produce an abundance of the QCD axion consistent with dark matter for an axion decay constant of order 10(12) GeV. For a smaller decay constant, the QCD axion, with Peccei-Quinn symmetry broken during inflation, makes up only a fraction of dark matter unless the axion field starts oscillating very close to the top of its potential, in a scenario called “large-misalignment”. In this scenario, QCD axion dark matter with a small axion decay constant is partially comprised of very dense structures. We present a simple dynamical model realising the large-misalignment mechanism. During inflation, the axion classically rolls down its potential approaching its minimum. After inflation, the Universe reheats to a high temperature and a modulus (real scalar field) changes the sign of its minimum dynamically, which changes the sign of the mass of a vector-like fermion charged under QCD. As a result, the minimum of the axion potential during inflation becomes the maximum of the potential after the Universe has cooled through the QCD phase transition and the axion starts oscillating. In this model, we can produce QCD axion dark matter with a decay constant as low as 6 x 10(9) GeV and an axion mass up to 1 meV. We also summarise the phenomenological implications of this mechanism for dark matter experiments and colliders. |
| Address |
[Huang, Junwu; Madden, Amalia; Racco, Davide] Perimeter Inst Theoret Phys, 31 Caroline St N, Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y5, Canada, Email: jhuang@perimeterinstitute.ca; |
| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
Springer |
Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
1029-8479 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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| Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
WOS:000586368800006 |
Approved |
no |
| Is ISI |
yes |
International Collaboration |
yes |
| Call Number |
IFIC @ pastor @ |
Serial |
4592 |
| Permanent link to this record |
