In the late 1970's, the axion was proposed as a solution to the Strong CP Problem, i.e. the puzzle why the strong interactions conserve parity P and the product CP of charge conjugation and parity in spite of the fact that the Standard Model of elementary particles as a whole violates those symmetries. The original axion was soon ruled out by laboratory experiments and astrophysical considerations, but a new version was invented which is much more weakly coupled and which evades the laboratory and astrophysical constraints. It was dubbed the
invisible" axion. However, the axion cannot be arbitrarily weakly coupled because it is overproduced in the early universe by vacuum realignment in the limit of vanishing coupling. The axions produced by vacuum realignment are a form of cold dark matter today. The axion provides a solution then not only to the Strong CP Problem but also to the dark matter problem. Various methods have been proposed to search for dark matter axions and for axions emitted by the Sun. Their implementation and improvement has led to significant constraints on the notion of an invisible axion. Even purely laboratory methods may place significant constraints on invisible axions or axion-like particles. This review discusses the various methods that have been proposed and provides theoretical derivations of their signals.
We reexamine the axion-photon couplings in various invisible axion models motivated by the recent proposal of using optical interferometry at the ASST facility in the SSCL to search for axion. We illustrate that the assignment of $U(1)_{PQ}$ charges for the fermion fields plays an important role in determining the couplings. Several simple non-minimal invisible axion models with suppressed and enhanced axion-photon couplings are constructed, respectively. We also discuss the implications of possible new experiments to detect solar axions by conversion to $X$-rays in a static magnetic apparatus…
The $μ$ term in the supersymmetric standard model is known to" be nonzero. Supersymmetry breaking at the intermediate scale may provide the needed $μ$ term and the invisible axion. A possible solution of this $μ$ problem in superstring models is also discussed.
I describe how under favourable circumstances the invisible axion may manifest its existence at the LHC through the sparticle spectrum; in particular through a gluino \sim \ln (M_P/m_{3/2}) times heavier than other gauginos.
By introducing local $Z_N$ symmetries with $N=11,13$ in two 3-3-1 models, it is possible to implement an automatic Peccei-Quinn symmetry, keeping the axion protected against gravitational effects at the same time. Both models have a $Z_2$ domain wall problem and the neutrinos are strictly Dirac particles.
We discuss the possibility of having a non-minimal scalar sector at the weak scale within the framework of invisible axion models. To frame our discussion we consider an extension of the Dine-Fischler-Srednicki-Zhitnitsky invisible axion model with two additional Higgs doublets blind under the Peccei-Quinn symmetry. Due to mixing effects among the scalar fields, it is possible to obtain a rich scalar sector at the weak scale in certain decoupling limits of the theory. In particular, this framework provides an ultraviolet completion of the so-called aligned two-Higgs-doublet model and solves th…
We show that in any invisible axion model due to the effects of effective non-renormalizable interactions related to an energy scale near the Peccei-Quinn, grand unification or even the Planck scale, active neutrinos necessarily acquire masses in the sub-eV range. Moreover, if sterile neutrinos are also included and if appropriate cyclic $Z_N$ symmetries are imposed, it is possible that some of these neutrinos are heavy while others are light.
We derive the necessary conditions to build a class of invisible axion models with Flavor Changing Neutral Currents at tree-level controlled by the fermion mixing matrices and present an explicit model implementation. A horizontal Peccei-Quinn symmetry provides a solution to the strong CP problem via the Peccei-Quinn mechanism and predicts a cold dark mater candidate, the invisible axion or familon. The smallness of active neutrino masses can be explained via a type I seesaw mechanism, providing a dynamical origin for the heavy seesaw scale. The possibility to avoid the domain wall problem sta…
We survey a few minimal scalar extensions of the standard electroweak model that provide a simple setup for massive neutrinos in connection with an invisible axion. The presence of a chiral $U(1)$ à la Peccei-Quinn drives the pattern of Majorana neutrino masses while providing a dynamical solution to the strong CP problem and an axion as a dark matter candidate. We paradigmatically apply such a renormalizable framework to type-II seesaw and to two viable models for neutrino oscillations where the neutrino masses arise at one and two loops, respectively. We comment on the naturalness of the eff…
It is shown that the recently proposed preon model which provides a unified origin of the diverse mass scale and an explanation of family replication as well as of inter-family mass-hierarchy, possesses a Peccei-Quinn symmetry whose spontaneous breaking leads to an automatic invisible axion. Existence of the PQ-symmetry is simply a consequence of supersymmetry and requirement of minimality in the field-content and interactions, which propose that the lagrangian should possess only those terms which are dictated by the gauge principle and no others. In addition to the axion, the model also gene…
We build a class of invisible axion models with tree-level Flavor Changing Neutral Currents completely controlled by the fermion mixing matrices. The scalar sector of these models contains three-Higgs doublets and a complex scalar gauge singlet, with the same fermionic content than the Standard Model. A horizontal Peccei-Quinn symmetry provides a solution to the strong CP problem and predicts the existence of a very light and weakly coupled pseudo-Goldstone boson, the invisible axion or familon. A phenomenological analysis is performed taking into account familon searches in rare kaon and muon…
We show that Peccei-Quinn and lepton number symmetries can be a natural outcome in a 3-3-1 model with right-handed neutrinos after imposing a Z_11 x Z_2 symmetry. This symmetry is suitably accommodated in this model when we augmented its spectrum by including merely one singlet scalar field. We work out the breaking of the Peccei-Quinn symmetry, yielding the axion, and study the phenomenological consequences. The main result of this work is that the solution to the strong CP problem can be implemented in a natural way, implying an invisible axion phenomenologically unconstrained, free of domai…
Among solutions of the strong CP problem, the "invisible" axion in the narrow axion window is argued to be the remaining possibility among natural solutions on the smallness of $\barθ$. Related to the gravity spoil of global symmetries, some prospective invisible axions from theory point of view are discussed. In all these discussions, including the observational possibility, cosmological constraints must be included.
Among solutions of the strong CP problem, the "invisible" axion in the narrow axion window is argued to be the remaining possibility among natural solutions on the smallness of $\barθ$. Related to the gravity spoil of global symmetries, some prospective "invisible" axions from theory point of view are discussed. In all these discussions including the observational possibility and cosmological constraints, including a safe domain wall problem, must be included.
We study the problem of integrating an invisible axion into the Randall-Sundrum scenario as an example of how to generate new energy scales between the extremes of the Planck mass and the electroweak scale. In this scenario, the axion corresponds to the phase of complex bulk scalar field. We show how to generate an intermediate energy scale by including a third brane in the scenario. We discuss the stabilization of this brane in detail to demonstrate that no additional fine-tunings arise.
In the effective field theory framework, we consider the effect of supersymmetry breaking via gaugino condensation and supergravity in the hidden sector gauge group on the hidden sector vacuum angle $θ_h$. The $θ_h$ parameter dependence of the potential yields phenomenologically acceptable invisible axion solutions if the $U(1)_R$ symmetry is broken down to a discrete subgroup $Z_N$ with $N\ge 3$ (N=4 is marginal). Anomalous U(1) superstring models are good candidates for this invisible axion resolution of the strong CP puzzle.
I propose a variant invisible axion model of spontaneous CP violation at the electroweak scale without CP domain wall and `strong CP' problems. Both large size QCD and small size non-QCD instantons break CP and Peccei-Quinn symmetries, and render cosmologically harmful CP domain walls unstable. The decaying epoch depends on size of small instanton effects, and is around 100 eV if the current neutron electric dipole moment bound is maximally saturated. The model satisfies constraints from primordial D and He photo-dissociation and black hole formation, while producing cosmologically interesting…
How invisible can QCD axions be? From Supernova emission to Cherenkov signals
Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Padova（意大利国家核物理研究所帕多瓦分部）；Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati（意大利国家核物理研究所弗拉斯卡蒂国家实验室）；Dipartimento di Matematica e Fisica, Università Roma Tre（罗马三大学数学与物理系）；Centro de Astrofísica y Física de Altas Energías (CAPA), University of Zaragoza（萨拉戈萨大学天体物理学与高能物理中心）；Department of Chemistry and Physics, Barry University（巴里大学化学与物理系）；Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia “Galileo Galilei”, Università di Padova（帕多瓦大学伽利略·伽利莱物理与天文系）；Universitat de Barcelona（巴塞罗那大学）
I propose a new axionic solution to the strong CP problem which involves a hypothetical vector-like quark(s) in a high-colour representation of the conventional QCD. There are two distinct scenarios. If the current mass of the exotic quark is zero, the strong CP phase can be trivially rotated away. The high-colour quark is `hidden' in various bounds states, the lightest being the composite axion field, with properties similar to the standard invisible axion. If the high-colour quark acquire a non-zero current mass due to the spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking, the composite axion can be heav…
The origin of `invisible' axion in four dimensional effective beyond-standard models from string compactification is discussed and its refined passover through the QCD phase transition is presented toward a reliable estimate of the current axion energy density in terms of the initial misalignment angle $\barθ_1$. The explicit examples are presented in a flipped SU(5) GUT model. This allows to introduce a flavor symmetry through string compactification, and hence we also comment on the source of flavor symmetries from string compactification and attempts to fit the resulting Yukawa couplings to…
Conventional approaches to probing axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) typically rely on a coupling to photons. However, if this coupling is extremely weak, ALPs become invisible and are effectively decoupled from the Standard Model. Here we show that such invisible axions, which are viable candidates for dark matter, can produce a stochastic gravitational wave background in the early universe. This signal is generated in models where the invisible axion couples to a dark gauge boson that experiences a tachyonic instability when the axion begins to oscillate. Incidentally, the same mechanis…
We study some of the novel effects that arise when the QCD axion is placed in the ``bulk'' of large extra spacetime dimensions. First, we find that the mass of the axion can become independent of the energy scale associated with the breaking of the Peccei-Quinn symmetry. This implies that the mass of the axion can be adjusted independently of its couplings to ordinary matter, thereby providing a new method of rendering the axion invisible. Second, we discuss the new phenomenon of laboratory axion oscillations (analogous to neutrino oscillations), and show that these oscillations cause laborato…
I describe how the QCD vacuum structure, necessary to resolve the $U(1)_A$ problem, predicts the presence of a P, T and CP violating term proportional to the vacuum angle $\barθ$. To agree with experimental bounds, however, this parameter must be very small $(\barθ \leq 10^{-9}$). After briefly discussing some possible other solutions to this, so-called, strong CP problem, I concentrate on the chiral solution proposed by Peccei and Quinn which has associated with it a light pseudoscalar particle, the axion. I discuss in detail the properties and dynamics of axions, focusing particularly on inv…
Under the expectation that nature is natural, we extend the Standard Model to include SUSY to stabilize the electroweak sector and PQ symmetry to stabilize the QCD sector. Then natural SUSY arises from a Kim-Nilles solution to the SUSY mu problem which allows for a little hierarchy where mu ~ f_a^2/M_P ~ 100-300 GeV while the SUSY particle mass scale m(SUSY)~ 1-10 TeV >> mu. Dark matter then consists of two particles: a higgsino-like WIMP and a SUSY DFSZ axion. The range of allowed axion mass values m(axion) depends on the mixed axion-higgsino relic density. The range of m(axion) is actually r…
We show that by imposing local $Z_{13}\otimes Z_3$ symmetries in an $SU(2)\otimes U(1)$ electroweak model we can implement an invisible axion in such a way that (i) the Peccei-Quinn symmetry is an automatic symmetry of the classical Lagrangian; and (ii) the axion is protected from semi classical gravitational effects. In order to be able to implement such a large discrete symmetry, and at the same time allow a general mixing in each charge sector, we introduce right-handed neutrinos and enlarge the scalar sector of the model. The domain wall problem is briefly considered.
We show that charged Eguchi-Hanson instantons provide a concrete and calculable new source of intrinsic Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking by quantum gravity. The size of this breaking is shown to depend sensitively on the short distance details of a given theory, but is generically suppressed by fermion zero modes. Demanding that these gravitational effects not affet the axion solution to the strong CP problem, we find that at least two sets of quarks with differing Peccei-Quinn charges are required. In addition, these effects obviate the cosmological axion domain wall problem but leave unchanged…
Axion-like particles (ALPs) can provide a portal to new states of a dark sector. We study the phenomenology of this portal when the ALP mainly decays invisibly, while its interaction with the standard model sector proceeds essentially via its coupling to electrons and/or photons. We re-analyse existing limits from various collider and beam dump experiments, including in particular ALP production via electron/positron interactions, in addition to the usual production through ALP-photon coupling. We further discuss the interplay between these limits and the intriguing possibility of explaining s…
We show that a new chiral, confining interaction can be used to break Peccei-Quinn symmetry dynamically and solve the domain wall problem, simultaneously. The resulting theory is an invisible QCD axion model without domain walls. No dangerous heavy relics appear.
The physical origin of the strong CP problem in QCD, rooted in the structures of the vacuum of the standard model, is reviewed. The chiral solution to this problem, with its accompanying axion, is explained and various characteristics of axions are detailed. Although visible axion models are excluded experimentally, models with very light and very weakly coupled axions are still tenable. The astrophysical and cosmological implications of such axion models are discussed, along with ongoing experimental attempts to detect such, so called, invisible axions.
Visible matter in the current Universe is a consequence of the phase transition of the strong force, quantum chromodynamics (QCD). This phase transition has occurred at the Universe temperature around $T_c\simeq 165\,$MeV while it was expanding. Strongly interacting matter particles are quarks above $T_c$, while they are pions, protons and neutrons below $T_c$. The spin degrees of freedom 37 in the quark and gluon phase just above $T_c$ are converted to 3 (pions) after the phase transition. This phase transition might have been achieved mostly at supercooled temperatures. The supercooling was …
We investigate the prospects of an extra global symmetry, added to the Standard Model in the context of baryogenesis. The $PQ$ symmetry is studied as an example. We show that the hadronic axion provides a protection of the B-asymmetry even if $B-L$=0 and that there are no limits on the neutrino masses. It is also shown that there is a crucial difference between the two possible invisible axion models. A connection between the baryon asymmetry and dark matter is also pointed out.
In view of the ongoing galactic (or cosmic) axion detection experiments, we compare the axion-photon-photon coupling $c_{aγγ}$'s for various invisible (or very light) axion models.
If the Peccei-Quinn symmetry associated to an axion has ever been restored after inflation, axion strings inevitably produce a contribution to the stochastic gravitational wave background. Combining effective field theory analysis with numerical simulations, we show that the resulting gravitational wave spectrum has logarithmic deviations from a scale invariant form with an amplitude that is significantly enhanced at low frequencies. As a result, a single ultralight axion-like particle with a decay constant larger than $10^{14}~{\rm GeV}$ and any mass between $10^{-18}~{\rm eV}$ and $10^{-28}~…
Light pseudoscalars interacting pre-dominantly with Standard Model gauge bosons (so-called axion-like particles or ALPs) occur frequently in extensions of the Standard Model. In this work we review and update existing constraints on ALPs in the keV to GeV mass region from colliders, beam dump experiments and astrophysics. We furthermore provide a detailed calculation of the expected sensitivity of Belle II, which can search for visibly and invisibly decaying ALPs, as well as long-lived ALPs. The Belle II sensitivity is found to be substantially better than previously estimated, covering wide r…
Constraints on dark axion portal: missing energy and fermion EDMs
Institute for Nuclear Research（核物理研究所）；Bogoliubov Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, JINR（约飞联合核子研究所玻戈留博夫理论物理实验室）；Millennium Institute for Subatomic Physics at the High-Energy Frontier (SAPHIR) of ANID（智利国家研究与创新发展署高能前沿亚原子物理千年研究所）；Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Tübingen（蒂宾根大学理论物理研究所）；Kepler Center for Astro and Particle Physics（开普勒天体与粒子物理中心）；Center for Theoretical and Experimental Particle Physics, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello（安德烈斯贝略大学精确科学学院理论与实验粒子物理中心）；Matrosov Institute for System Dynamics and Control Theory SB RAS（俄罗斯科学院西伯利亚分院马特罗索夫系统动力学与控制理论研究所）；Tomsk Polytechnic University（托木斯克理工大学）
We show that by introducing appropriate local $Z_N(N\geq13)$ symmetries in electroweak models it is possible to implement an automatic Peccei-Quinn symmetry keeping at the same time the axion protected against gravitational effects. Although we consider here only an extension of the standard model and a particular 3-3-1 model, the strategy can be used in any kind of electroweak model. An interesting feature of this 3-3-1 model is that if: {\it i)} we add right-handed neutrinos, {\it ii)} the conservation of the total lepton number, and {\it iii)} a $Z_2$ symmetry, the $Z_{13}$ and the chiral P…
The link between ordinary Standard model (SM) photon and both dark photon and axion like particle (ALP) can be introduced through the dark axion portal coupling. Given the dark axion portal setup, in the present paper we refer the dark photon as the mediator between SM and dark matter (DM) particles, implying that it decays predominantly into pair of DM fermions. Furthermore, we discuss in detail the implication of the dark axion portal scenario for the lepton (electron and muon) fixed target experiments. In particular, for the specific fixed target facility we study the missing energy signatu…
The well-known leptonic U(1) symmetry of the standard model of quarks and leptons is extended to include a number of new fermions and scalars. The resulting theory has an invisible QCD axion (thereby solving the strong CP problem), a candidate for weak-scale dark matter, as well as radiative neutrino masses. A possible key connection is a color-triplet scalar, which may be produced and detected at the Large Hadron Collider.
We explore a model based on the classically-scale invariant standard model (SM) with a strongly coupled vector-like dynamics, which is called hypercolor (HC). The scale symmetry is dynamically broken by the vector-like condensation at the TeV scale, so that the SM Higgs acquires the negative mass-squared by the bosonic seesaw mechanism to realize the electroweak symmetry breaking. An elementary pseudoscalar $S$ is introduced to give masses for the composite Nambu-Goldstone bosons (HC pions): the HC pion can be a good target to explore through a diphoton channel at the LHC. As the consequence o…
In this talk, I present a pedagogical and historical review related to the CP symmetry. It includes the weak CP violation, the strong CP problem, "invisible" axions and cosmology, and Type-II leptogenesis.
The current cosmological bound on the invisible axion scale may be avoided in the class of theories in which the gauge coupling constant is determined through the expectation value of some scalar field (e.g. moduli in supergravity and string theories). This leads to the cosmological scenario different from that of the standard invisible axion, since the initial values of the fields are usually far away from their true minima, allowing for the color group becoming strong in the very early universe and fixing the axion field to its minimum. The effect disappears as soon as scalar field adjusts t…
The QCD axion couplings of various invisible axion models are presented. In particular, the exact global symmetry U(1)$_{\rm PQ}$ in the superpotential is possible for the anomalous U(1) from string compactification, broken only by the gauge anomalies at one loop level, and is shown to have the resultant invisible axion coupling to photon, $c_{aγγ}\ge \frac83-c_{aγγ}^{\rm ch\,br}$ where $c_{aγγ}^{\rm ch\,br}\simeq 2$. However, this bound is not applicable in approximate U(1)$_{\rm PQ}$ models with sufficiently suppressed U(1)$_{\rm PQ}$-breaking superpotential terms. We also present a simple m…
A method to search for particles of unknown masses in final states with two invisible particles is presented. Searching for final states with missing energy is a challenging task usually performed in the tail of a missing energy related distribution. The search method proposed is based on a 2-Dimensional mass reconstruction of the final state with two invisible particles. Thus, a bump hunting is possible, allowing a stronger signal versus background discrimination. Parameters of the BSM theory can be extracted from the mass distributions, a valuable step towards understanding its true nature. …
We apply the solution for the strong CP-problem in the 4-dimensional superstring theory recently proposed by Ib${\rm\acute{a}\tilde{n}}$ez and L${\rm\ddot{u}}$st to Calabi-Yau type models and study its phenomenological aspects. In Calabi-Yau type models there seem to be phenomenologically difficult problems in the axion decoupling from the neutral gauge currents and the compatibility between the proton stability and the cosmological bound on the axion. DFSZ type invisible axion mechanism which works without heavy extra colored fields may be more promising than KSVZ axion in the viewpoint of pr…
The axion solution of the strong CP problem provides a number of possible windows to physics beyond the standard model, notably in the form of searches for solar axions and for galactic axion dark matter, but in a broader context also inspires searches for axion-like particles in pure laboratory experiments. We briefly review the motivation for axions, astrophysical limits, their possible cosmological role, and current searches for axions and axion-like particles.
In this talk, we will review Inert Triplet Model (ITM) which provide candidate for dark matter (DM) particles. Then we study possible decays of Higgs boson to DM candidate and apply current experimental data for invisible Higgs decay to constrain parameter space of ITM. We also consider indirect search for DM and use FermiLAT data to put constraints on parameter space. Ultimately we compare this limit with constraints provided by LUX experiment for low mass DM and invisible Higgs decay.
We propose an SU(5) grand unified model with an invisible axion and the unification of the three coupling constants which is in agreement with the values, at $M_Z$, of $α$, $α_s$, and $\sin^2θ_W$. A discrete, anomalous, $Z_{13}$ symmetry implies that the Peccei-Quinn symmetry is an automatic symmetry of the classical Lagrangian protecting, at the same time, the invisible axion against possible semi-classical gravity effects. Although the unification scale is of the order of the Peccei-Quinn scale the proton is stabilized by the fact that in this model the standard model fields form the SU(5) m…
The hypothesis of an `invisible' axion was made by Misha Shifman and others, approximately thirty years ago. It has turned out to be an unusually fruitful idea, crossing boundaries between particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology. An axion with mass of order $10^{-5}$ eV (with large uncertainties) is one of the leading candidates for the dark matter of the universe. It was found recently that dark matter axions thermalize and form a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC). Because they form a BEC, axions differ from ordinary cold dark matter (CDM) in the non-linear regime of structure formation and…
The Peccei-Quinn symmetry is an automatic symmetry of the 3-3-1 gauge models which, consequently are not plagued with the strong CP problem. Nevertheless, the axion that emerges from spontaneous breaking of Peccei-Quinn symmetry cannot be made invisible in the original versions of these models, unless we extend their scalar sector by an additional neutral scalar singlet. In this case we show that if, we also add heavy neutrinos in the singlet form, we get to solve three interesting open questions at once: the real component of the neutral scalar singlet driving inflation, the axion playing the…
We consider an enlarged color sector which solves the strong CP problem via new massless fermions. The spontaneous breaking of a unified color group into QCD and another confining group provides a source of naturally large axion mass $m_a$ due to small size instantons. This extra source of axion mass respects automatically the alignment of the vacuum, ensuring a low-energy CP-conserving vacuum. The mechanism does not appeal to a $Z_2$ 'mirror' copy of the SM, nor does it require any fine-tuning of the axion-related couplings at the unification scale. There is no light axion and uncharacteristi…
The subjects of this thesis are the invisible axion and the more general family of axion-like particles. The invisible axion is a hypothetical elementary particle and a cold dark matter candidate. I present an improved computation of the constraints on the parameter space of the cold dark matter axion in the standard cosmology, that includes the contributions from anharmonicities in the axion potential and from the decay of axionic strings. In this scenario, I update the value of the mass of the cold dark matter axion, finding the value $(67\pm17){\rm μeV}$, approximately one order of magnitud…
We report on the present progress in development of the dark matter axion search experiment with Rydberg-atom-cavity detectors in Kyoto, CARRACK I and CARRACK II. The axion search has been performed with CARRACK I in the 8 % mass range around $ 10 μ{\rm eV} $, and CARRACK II is now ready for the search in the wide range $ 2 μ{\rm eV} - 50 μ{\rm eV} $. We have also developed quantum theoretical calculations on the axion-photon-atom system in the resonant cavity in order to estimate precisely the detection sensitivity for the axion signal. Some essential features on the axion-photon-atom interac…
Motivated by models proposed to explain the Standard Model anomalies, and the unprecedented $τ^{+}τ^{-}$ data to be collected by the Belle~II experiment during the next years, we study the kinematics of tau pair decays and propose a new method to search for lepton flavor violating processes in tau lepton decays to invisible beyond Standard Model particles, such as $τ\to \ell α$, where $\ell$ is either an electron or a muon, and $α$ is a massive particle that escapes undetected. The new method improves by one order of magnitude the expected upper limit on the $τ\to \ell α$ production in 3x1 pro…
