We propose a model of dark sector described by gauged hidden $U(1)_H$ symmetry in which neutrino masses are generated at one-loop level and axion is induced by assigning Peccei-Quinn charge to fermions in dark sector relevantly. Then our scenario connects exotic fermion mass generation, neutrino mass matrix and axion through scalar fields associated with $U(1)_H$ and Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking. We investigate neutrino mass formula, lepton flavor violation, anomalous magnetic moment of muon, dark matter relic density and axion couplings, which are originated from interactions among our dark sector and the standard model particles.
We derive the electric current on surface of a normal metal or superconductor induced by the light bosonic dark matter, such as axion or hidden photon, by appropriately taking account of the boundary condition of the electric and magnetic field at the surface. We discuss detection possibility of such an electric current.
A pseudo-Goldstone boson for {\it quintessence} is known to require the decay constant $F_q\sim M_P$ and the height of the potential $(0.003 {\rm eV})^4$, and hence the pseudo-Goldstone boson mass of order $10^{-33}$ eV. The model-dependent axion in some superstring models is suggested as a good candidate for the quintessence. We realize this idea with a hidden-sector gauge group $SU(3)_H\times U(1)_H$. The hidden-sector instanton contribution to the quintessence potential is suppressed by the almost massless hidden-sector quarks. The model-independent axion is the QCD axion required for the s…
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.
The recently proposed supersymmetric $A_4$ model of the neutrino mass matrix is modified to merge with a previously proposed axionic solution of the strong CP problem. The resulting model has only one input scale, i.e. that of $A_4$ symmetry breaking, which determines both the seesaw neutrino mass scale and the axion decay constant. It also solves the $μ$ problem and conserves R parity automatically.
We consider a chiral gauge theory from which light composite Dirac neutrinos dynamically emerge, augmented by a QCD axion to solve the strong CP problem. We show that an interplay between the composite sector and the axion can also simultaneously lead to successful baryogenesis and generate a correct dark matter abundance via "co-genesis" without contradicting present constraints. We predict $ΔN_{\rm eff} \geq 0.14$ and $m_a$ in the range $O(1)\>{\rm μeV}$--$O(10)\>{\rm meV}$, which can be firmly tested by upcoming CMB experiments and axion searches.
We review very nice mechanism to generate masses to all the neutrinos in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) without break $R$-parity. In consequence we get viable axion as Dark Matter candidate and at the same time solve the $μ$-problem in a similar way as done in the Next to Minimal Supersymmetric Model (NMSSM).
We extend the recently proposed gluino axion model to include neutrino masses. We discuss how the canonical seesaw model and the Higgs triplet model may be realized in this framework. In the former case, the heavy singlet neutrinos are contained in superfields which do not have any vacuum expectation value, whereas the gluino axion is contained in one which does. We also construct a specific renormalizable model which realizes the mass scale relationship $M_{SUSY} \sim f_a^2/M_U$, where $f_a$ is the axion decay constant and $M_U$ is a large effective mass parameter.
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 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…
In the axionic solution of the strong CP problem, fermions which transform under quantum chromodynamics (QCD) are required. In supersymmetry, by equating U(1)_{PQ} with U(1)_R, the natural candidates are the gluinos, as pointed out some years ago. A new specific implementation of this idea is proposed, linking the gluino axion scale to that of the canonical seesaw mechanism for neutrinos. Gaugino masses are generated dynamically and the A term is predicted to be very small.
The axion solution of the strong CP problem is reviewed together with the other strong CP solutions. We also point out the quintessential axion(quintaxion) whose potential can be extremely flat due to the tiny ratio of the hidden sector quark mass and the intermediate hidden sector scale. The quintaxion candidates are supposed to be the string theory axions, the model independent or the model dependent axions.
The minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) of particle interactions is extended to include three singlet (right-handed) neutrino superfields together with three other singlet superfields. The resulting theory is assumed to be invariant under an anomalous global U(1) (Peccei-Quinn) symmetry with one fundamental mass $m_2$. The soft breaking of supersymmetry at the TeV scale is shown to generate an axion scale $f_a$ of order $m_2$. Neutrino masses are generated by $f_a$ according to the usual seesaw mechanism.
Axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) are among of the most popular candidates for dark matter. Axions are also considered as new physics contributions to the muon g-2. Following the existed interest to ALPs we consider interaction between neutrinos and hypothetical axion-like particles and derive for the first time the probability of neutrino oscillations accounting for their interactions mediated by ALPs. The corresponding effective mixing angle is derived.
It has been recently shown that the requirement of anomaly cancellation in a (non-supersymmetric) six-dimensional version of the standard model fixes the field content to the known three generations. We discuss the phenomenological consequences of the cancellation of the local anomalies: the strong CP problem is solved and the fundamental scale of the theory is bounded by the physics of the axion. Neutrinos acquire a mass in the range suggested by atmospheric experiments.
The small-scale power spectrum of the cosmological matter distribution together with other cosmological data provides a sensitive measure of the hot dark matter fraction, leading to restrictive neutrino mass limits. We extend this argument to generic cases of low-mass thermal relics. We vary the cosmic epoch of thermal decoupling, the radiation content of the universe, and the new particle's spin degrees of freedom. Our treatment covers various scenarios of active plus sterile neutrinos or axion-like particles. For three degenerate massive neutrinos, we reproduce the well-known limit of m_nu <…
We consider the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) mechanism as the one behind the Dirac neutrino masses when these are generated through the $d=5$ effective operator $\bar{L}\tilde{H}N_Rϕ$ at one loop level, with $ϕ$ being a Standard Model singlet scalar. In this setup, the PQ symmetry guarantees that the one-loop realization of such an effective operator gives the leading contribution to the Dirac neutrino masses by forbidding the contributions arising from its tree level realizations. All the mediators in the one-loop neutrino mass diagrams can be stabilized by a remnant $Z_N$ symmetry from the PQ symmetry …
We extend the work of Carone, Chaurasia and Vasquez on non-supersymmetric models of flavor based on the double tetrahedral group. Three issues are addressed: (1) the sector of flavor-symmetry-breaking fields is simplified and their potential studied explicitly, (2) a flavorful axion is introduced to solve the strong CP problem and (3) the model is extended to include the neutrino sector. We show how the model can accommodate the strong hierarchies manifest in the charged fermion Yukawa matrices, while predicting a qualitatively different form for the light neutrino mass matrix that is consiste…
We present a framework linking axionlike particles (ALPs) to neutrino masses through the minimal inverse seesaw (ISS) mechanism in order to explain the dark matter (DM) puzzle. Specifically, we explore three minimal ISS cases where mass scales are generated through gravity-induced operators involving a scalar field hosting ALPs. In all of these cases, we find gravity-stable models providing the observed DM relic density and, simultaneously, consistent with the phenomenology of neutrinos and ALPs. Remarkably, in one of the ISS cases, the DM can be made of ALPs and sterile neutrinos. Furthermore…
The QCD axion or axion-like particles are candidates of dark matter of the universe. On the other hand, axion-like excitations exist in certain condensed matter systems, which implies that there can be interactions of dark matter particles with condensed matter axions. We discuss the relationship between the condensed matter axion and a collective spin-wave excitation in an anti-ferromagnetic insulator at the quantum level. The conversion rate of the light dark matter, such as the elementary particle axion or hidden photon, into the condensed matter axion is estimated for the discovery of the …
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.
In this talk, I discuss recent developments concerning the possibility of large extra spacetime dimensions. After briefly reviewing how such dimensions can lower the fundamental GUT, Planck, and string scales, I then outline how these scenarios lead to a new higher-dimensional seesaw mechanism for generating neutrino oscillations --- perhaps even without neutrino masses. I also discuss how extra dimensions lead to new mechanisms contributing to the ``invisibility'' of the QCD axion. This talk reports on work done in collaboration with Emilian Dudas and Tony Gherghetta.
The primordial black holes (PBHs) play as a novel source to radiate light elementary particles of energies in the region of a few hundred MeV. We explore the possibility that the axion-like particles (ALPs) with mass less than 1 MeV are produced from PBH evaporation. The absorption of light ALPs in the underground detector targets then induces energetic photoelectron signatures in current and future neutrino experiments. Utilizing the PBH ALP event rate, we place general exclusion limits on the axion couplings at Super-K and Hyper-K. We also translate these limits into the upper bound on the f…
The PQ mechanism resolving the strong CP problem and the seesaw mechanism explaining the smallness of neutrino masses may be related in a way that the PQ symmetry breaking scale and the seesaw scale arise from a common origin. Depending on how the PQ symmetry and the seesaw mechanism are realized, one has different predictions on the color and electromagnetic anomalies which could be tested in the future axion dark matter search experiments. Motivated by this, we construct various PQ seesaw models which are minimally extended from the (non-) supersymmetric Standard Model and thus set up differ…
In 2001, a supersymmetric model was proposed to relate the axion scale to that of neutrino mass seesaw. Whereas this scenario is realistic, the particles associated with this mechanism are either too heavy or too weakly coupled for them to be observed (other than the axion itself or perhaps the axino). A variation of that model is here proposed which allows significant mixing of the Higgs boson with a new singlet related to the saxion (the scalar partner of the pseudoscalar axion), rendering it possible to be observed at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). With the addition of exotic color superf…
The dark axion portal is a recently introduced portal between the standard model and the dark sector. It connects both the dark photon and the axion (or axion-like particle) to the photon simultaneously through an anomaly triangle. While the vector portal and the axion portal have been popular venues to search for the dark photon and axion, respectively, the new portal provides new detection channels if they coexist. The dark axion portal is not a result of the simple combination of the two portals, and its value is not determined by the other portal values; it should be tested independently. …
We propose the minimal supersymmetric sterile neutrino model (MSSNM) where the sterile neutrino masses are about 1 eV, while the active neutrino masses and the mixings among the active and sterile neutrinos are generated during late time phase transition. All the current experimental neutrino data include the LSND can be explained simultaneously, and the constraints on the sterile neutrinos from the big bang nucleosynthesis and large scale structure can be evaded. To realize the MSSNM naturally, we consider the supersymmetric intermediate-scale U(1)' model, the low energy U(1)' model with a se…
The axion-like particles (ALPs) are very good candidates of the cosmological dark matter, which can exist in many extensions of the standard model (SM). The mass range of the ALPs as the dark matter can extend from a sub-eV scale to almost $10^{-22}~{\rm eV}$. On the other hand, the neutrinos are found to be massive and the SM must be extended to explain the sub-eV neutrino masses. It becomes very interesting to consider an exclusive coupling between these two low scale frontiers that are both beyond the SM. The propagation of neutrinos inside the Milky Way would undergo the coherent forward s…
We show that a recently proposed framework that provides a simple connection between Majorana neutrinos and an invisible axion in minimal scalar extensions of the standard electroweak model can be naturally embedded in a classically scale-invariant setup. The explicit breaking of the scale invariance à la Coleman-Weinberg generates the Peccei-Quinn and electroweak scales. The spontaneous breaking of the chiral $U(1)_{PQ}$ triggers the generation of neutrino masses via Type-II seesaw and, at the same time, provides a dynamical solution to the strong CP problem as well as the axion as a dark mat…
We propose a minimal model in which the flavour anomaly in the $b \to s μ^+ μ^-$ transition is connected to the breaking of Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry. The flavour anomaly is explained from new physics contribution by introducing one generation of heavy quark and heavy lepton which are vector-like under the standard model (SM) gauge group but charged under a local $U(1)_X$ group. They mix with the SM quarks and leptons, inducing flavour-changing $Z^\prime$ couplings, which generates the $b \to s μ^+μ^-$ anomaly at tree level. On the other hand the new fermions are chiral under the global Pecce…
We study the Witten effect of hidden monopoles on the QCD axion dynamics, and show that its abundance as well as isocurvature perturbations can be significantly suppressed if there is a sufficient amount of hidden monopoles. When the hidden monopoles make up a significant fraction of dark matter, the Witten effect suppresses the abundance of axion with the decay constant smaller than $10^{12}$ GeV. The cosmological domain wall problem of the QCD axion can also be avoided, relaxing the upper bound on the decay constant when the Peccei-Quinn symmetry is spontaneously broken after inflation.
We study in detail MSW-like resonant conversions of QCD axions into hidden axions, including cases where the adiabaticity condition is only marginally satisfied, and where anharmonic effects are non-negligible. When the resonant conversion is efficient, the QCD axion abundance is suppressed by the hidden and QCD axion mass ratio. We find that, when the resonant conversion is incomplete due to a weak violation of the adiabaticity, the CDM isocurvature perturbations can be significantly suppressed, while non-Gaussianity of the isocurvature perturbations generically remain unsuppressed. The isocu…
Motivated by the flavored Peccei-Quinn symmetry for unifying the flavor physics and string theory, we construct an explicit model by introducing a $U(1)$ symmetry such that the $U(1)_X$-$[gravity]^2$ anomaly-free condition together with the standard model flavor structure demands additional sterile neutrinos as well as no axionic domain-wall problem. Such additional sterile neutrinos play the role of a realization of baryogenesis via a new Affleck-Dine leptogenesis. We provide grounds for that the $U(1)_X$ symmetry could be interpreted as a fundamental symmetry of nature. The model will resolv…
Hidden axions may be coupled to the standard model particles through a kinetic or mass mixing with QCD axion. We study a scenario in which a hidden axion constitutes a part of or the whole of dark matter and decays into photons through the mixing, explaining the 3.5 keV X-ray line signal. Interestingly, the required long lifetime of the hidden axion dark matter can be realized for the QCD axion decay constant at an intermediate scale, if the mixing is sufficiently small. In such a two component dark matter scenario, the primordial density perturbations of the hidden axion can be highly non-Gau…
We reexamine the theoretical limit on the axion coupling to two photons, $g_{aγγ}$, in the light of a new solar model (seismic solar model) and the latest solar neutrino observations, the Super-Kamiokande and the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO). From the comparison of the theoretically expected and the measured neutrino fluxes, we set a limit $g_{aγγ} < 4.0\times 10^{-10} ~\mathrm{GeV} ^{-1}$. This limit based on a new procedure is about a factor of 3 improvement over the previous theoretical limit and a more severe limit than the solar axion experiments. Therefore this limit is the most st…
We present a 5D axion-neutrino model that explains the Standard Model fermion mass hierarchy and flavor structure, while simultaneously generating a high-quality axion. The axion and right-handed neutrinos transform under a 5D Peccei-Quinn gauge symmetry, and have highly suppressed profiles on the UV brane where the symmetry is explicitly broken. This setup allows neutrinos to be either Dirac, or Majorana with hierarchically small sterile neutrino masses. The axion decay constant originates from the IR scale, which in the holographically dual 4D description corresponds to the confinement scale…
We propose a gauged two-Higgs-doublet model (2HDM) featuring an anomalous Peccei-Quinn symmetry, $U(1)_{PQ}$. Dangerous tree-level flavour-changing neutral currents, common in 2HDMs, are forbidden by the extra gauge symmetry, $U(1)_X$. In our construction, the solutions to the important issues of neutrino masses, dark matter and the strong CP problem are interrelated. Neutrino masses are generated via a Dirac seesaw mechanism and are suppressed by the ratio of the $U(1)_X$ and the $U(1)_{PQ}$ breaking scales. Naturally small neutrino masses suggest that the breaking of $U(1)_X$ occurs at a rel…
We present a supersymmetric axion model in which the fermionic superpartner of axion, i.e. the axino, corresponds to a sterile neutrino which would accommodate the LSND data with atmospheric and solar neutrino oscillations.
To address five fundamental shortcomings of the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics and cosmology, we propose a SMART U(1)$_X$ model which is a $U(1)_X \times U(1)_{PQ}$ extension of the SM. The $U(1)_X$ gauge symmetry is a generalization of the well-known $U(1)_{B-L}$ symmetry and $U(1)_{PQ}$ is the global Peccie-Quinn (PQ) symmetry. Three right handed neutrinos are added to cancel $U(1)_X$ related anomalies, and they play a crucial role in understanding the observed neutrino oscillations and explaining the observed baryon asymmetry in the universe via leptogenesis. The PQ symmetry helps …
In this work, we study the propagation of high energy neutrinos produced in extragalactic sources including the effect of a possible interaction with ultralight axion-like particles (UALP) with a mass $m_a\sim 10^{-22} {\rm eV}$ as the constituents of dark matter (DM) under the assumption that their coupling to neutrinos is dominant. We compute the cross section and describe the propagation of a diffuse neutrino flux using transport equations for each mass eigenstate. This allows us to obtain the neutrino fluxes of the different flavors to be observed at the Earth with neutrino telescopes unde…
We study the cosmological evolution of the QCD axion coupled to hidden photons. For a moderately strong coupling, the motion of the axion field leads to an explosive production of hidden photons by tachyonic instability. We use lattice simulations to evaluate the cosmological abundance of the QCD axion. In doing so, we incorporate the backreaction of the produced hidden photons on the axion dynamics, which becomes significant in the non-linear regime. We find that the axion abundance is suppressed by at most ${\cal O}(10^{2})$ for the decay constant $f_a = 10^{16}$ GeV, compared to the case wi…
We update our previous constraints on two-component hot dark matter (axions and neutrinos), including the recent WMAP 5-year data release. Marginalising over sum m_nu provides m_a < 1.02 eV (95% C.L.) for the axion mass. In the absence of axions we find sum m_nu < 0.63 eV (95% C.L.).
Axion emission by hot and dense plasmas is a new energy-loss channel for stars. Observational consequences include a modification of the solar sound-speed profile, an increase of the solar neutrino flux, a reduction of the helium-burning lifetime of globular-cluster stars, accelerated white-dwarf cooling, and a reduction of the supernova SN 1987A neutrino burst duration. We review and update these arguments and summarize the resulting axion constraints.
Embedding hidden sector supergravity models in the framework of string theory leads to the appearance of axion-like degrees of freedom. Among them is the model independent axion of heterotic string theory. It has a decay constant of order of the Planck scale and could play the role of a quintessence field. In models allowing for the required $μ$ term in the TeV range, the hidden sector dynamics leads to a vacuum energy of $(0.003 {\rm eV})^4$ via a multiple see-saw effect. A solution to the strong CP-problem is provided by an additional hidden sector pseudoscalar with properties that make it a…
We examine discrete gauge symmetries in axionic extensions of the SSM which provide a solution of the $μ$-problem. Automatic-PQ symmetry and proton stability are shown to be guaranteed by certain discrete symmetries. Focusing on the L-violating discrete symmetries we discuss two sources of neutrino masses and their relevance for the solar neutrino problem.
The smallness of neutrino mass, the strong CP problem, and the existence of dark matter are explained in an economical way. The neutrino mass is generated by the colored version of a radiative seesaw mechanism by using color adjoint mediators. The Majorana mass term of the adjoint fermion, which carries lepton number U(1)_L, is induced by its spontaneous breaking, resulting in a Majoron which doubles as the QCD (quantum chromodynamics) axion, thereby solving the strong CP problem. The breaking of U(1)_L sets simultaneously the seesaw scale for neutrino mass and the Peccei-Quinn breaking scale.…
We study the impact of axion emission in simulations of massive star explosions, as an additional source of energy loss complementary to the standard neutrino emission. The inclusion of this channel shortens the cooling time of the nascent protoneutron star and hence the duration of the neutrino signal. We treat the axion-matter coupling strength as a free parameter to study its impact on the protoneutron star evolution as well as on the neutrino signal. We furthermore analyze the observability of the enhanced cooling in current and next-generation underground neutrino detectors, showing that …
In the Standard Model a Dark Matter candidate is missing, but it is relatively simple to enlarge the model including one or more suitable particles. We consider in this paper one such extension, inspired by simplicity and by the goal to solve more than just the Dark Matter issue. Indeed we consider a local $U(1) $ extension of the SM providing an axion particle to solve the strong CP problem and including RH neutrinos with appropriate mass terms. One of the latter is decoupled from the SM leptons and can constitute stable sterile neutrino DM. In this setting, the PQ symmetry arises only as an …
We show how the neutrino can sacrifice itself to quantum gravity and save the axion solution to the strong-CP problem. This mechanism puts an upper bound on the lightest neutrino mass.
