We comment on a claim that axion strings show a long-term logarithmic increase in the number of Hubble lengths per Hubble volume [arXiv:2007.04990], thereby violating the standard "scaling" expectation of an O(1) constant. We demonstrate that the string density data presented in [arXiv:2007.04990] are consistent with standard scaling, at a string density consistent with that obtained by us [arXiv:1908.03522, arXiv:2102.07723] and other groups. A transient slow growth in Hubble lengths per Hubble volume towards its constant scaling value is explained by standard network modelling [arXiv:2102.07723].
Axions have for some time been considered a plausible candidate for dark matter. They can be produced through misalignment, but it has been argued that when inflation occurs before a Peccei-Quinn transition, appreciable production can result from cosmic strings. This has been the subject of extensive simulations. But there are reasons to be skeptical about the possible role of axion strings. We review and elaborate on these questions, and argue that parametrically strings are already accounted for by the assumption of random misalignment angles. We review and elaborate on these questions, and …
Axions constitute a well-motivated dark matter candidate, and if PQ symmetry breaking occurred after inflation, it should be possible to make a clean prediction for the relation between the axion mass and the axion dark matter density. We show that axion (or other global) string networks in 3D have a network density that depends logarithmically on the string separation-to-core ratio. This logarithm would be about 10 times larger in axion cosmology than what we can achieve in numerical simulations. We simulate axion production in the early Universe, finding that, for the separation-to-core rati…
We revisit the constraint from the recently reported cosmic birefringence on axion-like particles with a general decay constant. A particular attention is paid to the naturalness of the model parameter space, which has been overlooked in the literature. We show that the observed cosmic birefringence is naturally explained by the electroweak axion with a string-theory inspired decay constant $F_A\simeq 10^{16}$ GeV.
In the recent work [Phys. Rev. D 91, 111702(R) (2015)], C. Hill concludes that the axion electromagnetic anomaly induces an oscillating electron electric dipole moment of frequency $m_a$ and strength $\sim 10^{-32}~e$ cm, in the limit $v/c \to 0$ for the axion field. Here, we demonstrate that a proper treatment of this problem in the lowest order yields $\textit{no}$ electric dipole moment of the electron in the same limit. Instead, oscillating electric dipole moments of atoms and molecules are produced by different mechanisms.
D. Wouters and P. Brun in Phys. Rev. D 86, 043005 (2012) claim that an observable effect in the spectra of distant very-high-energy blazars arises as a consequence of oscillations of photons into axion-like particles (ALPs) in the presence of turbulent extra-galactic magnetic fields. The main objective of this comment is to demonstrate that such a result is physically incorrect. We also show that a physically correct treatment of the same issue leads to a much less relevant conclusion, which makes the effect pointed out by WB likely unobservable with the present capabilities.
We study the axion strings with the electroweak gauge flux in the DFSZ axion model and show that these strings, called the electroweak axion strings, can exhibit superconductivity without fermionic zero modes. We construct three types of electroweak axion string solutions. Among them, the string with $W$-flux can be lightest in some parameter space, which leads to a stable superconducting cosmic string. We also show that a large electric current can flow along the string due to the Peccei-Quinn scale much higher than the electroweak scale. This large current induces a net attractive force betw…
We analyze the spectrum of axions radiated from collapse of domain walls, which have received less attention in the literature. The evolution of topological defects related to the axion models is investigated by performing field-theoretic lattice simulations. We simulate the whole process of evolution of the defects, including the formation of global strings, the formation of domain walls and the annihilation of the defects due to the tension of walls. The spectrum of radiated axions has a peak at the low frequency, which implies that axions produced by the collapse of domain walls are not hig…
Axion-like particles (ALPs) are a compelling candidate for dark matter (DM), whose production is associated with the formation of a string-wall network. If walls bounded by strings persist, which requires the potential to have multiple local minima ($N>1$), they must annihilate before they become dominant. They annihilate mostly into gravitational waves and non-relativistic ALPs. We show that for ALPs other than the QCD axion these gravitational waves, if produced at temperatures below 100 eV, could be detected by future cosmological probes for ALPs with mass from $10^{-16}$ to $10^{6}$ eV tha…
We study the cosmological evolution of domain walls bounded by strings which arise naturally in axion models. If we introduce a bias in the potential, walls become metastable and finally disappear. We perform two dimensional lattice simulations of domain wall networks and estimate the decay rate of domain walls. By using the numerical results, we give a constraint for the bias parameter and the Peccei-Quinn scale. We also discuss the possibility to probe axion models by direct detection of gravitational waves produced by domain walls.
The polarization of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) photons is rotated as they pass through (ultralight-) axion string loops. Studying this birefringence can reveal valuable information about the axion-photon coupling and the structure of the string network. We develop an approximate analytic formalism and identify a kernel function that can be used to calculate the two-point correlation function for CMB birefringence induced by an arbitrary axion string network. Using this formalism, we evaluate the birefringence signal for some simple loop distributions (including scaling and network colla…
The recent BICEP2 result shows that the Universe once has gone through the vacuum with the GUT scale energy density. The implied high scale inflation nullifies the dilution idea of topological defects, strings and domain walls, of the axionic system. In particular, domain walls are disastrous if the domain wall problem with domain-wall number greater than 1 is present. We argue that the model-independent axion in string compactification with the anomalous U(1) gauge symmetry resolves the domain wall problem naturally with a symmetry principle.
Multimodal axion emissions from Abelian-Higgs cosmic strings
Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University（东北大学前沿跨学科研究院）；Department of Physics, Tohoku University（东北大学物理系）；Cosmology, Gravity, and Astroparticle Physics Group, Center for Theoretical Physics of the Universe, Institute for Basic Science (IBS)（基础科学研究院宇宙理论物理中心宇宙学、引力与天体粒子物理组）
The serious cosmological problems created by the axion-string/axion-domain-wall system in standard axion models are alleviated by positing the existence of a new confining force. The instantons of this force can generate an axion potential that erases the axion strings long before QCD effects become important, thus preventing QCD-generated axion walls from ever appearing. Axion walls generated by the new confining force would decay so early as not to contribute significantly to the energy in axion dark matter.
We study the system of axion strings that forms in the early Universe if the Peccei-Quinn symmetry is restored after inflation. Using numerical simulations, we establish the existence of an asymptotic solution to which the system is attracted independently of the initial conditions. We study in detail the properties of this solution, including the average number of strings per Hubble patch, the distribution of loops and long strings, the way that different types of radiation are emitted, and the shape of the spectrum of axions produced. We find clear evidence of logarithmic violations of the s…
We study the contribution to the QCD axion dark matter abundance that is produced by string defects during the so-called scaling regime. Clear evidence of scaling violations is found, the most conservative extrapolation of which strongly suggests a large number of axions from strings. In this regime, nonlinearities at around the QCD scale are shown to play an important role in determining the final abundance. The overall result is a lower bound on the QCD axion mass in the post-inflationary scenario that is substantially stronger than the naive one from misalignment.
LIGO-Virgo collaboration has found black holes as heavy as $M \sim 30M_\odot$ through the detections of the gravitational waves emitted during their mergers. Primordial black holes (PBHs) produced by inflation could be an origin of such events. While it is tempting to presume that these PBHs constitute all Dark Matter (DM), there exists a number of constraints for PBHs with $\mathcal{O} (10) M_\odot$ which contradict with the idea of PBHs as all DM. Also, it is known that weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) that is a common DM candidate is almost impossible to coexist with PBHs. These o…
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 demonstrate that asymmetric reheating arises in a large ensemble of string compactifications with many axions and gauged dark sectors. This phenomenon may help avoid numerous cosmological problems that may arise if the sectors were reheated democratically. Distributions of couplings are presented for two classes of axion reheatons, both of which exhibit very small couplings to most of the gauge sectors. In one class, ratios of reheating couplings and also preferred gauge groups are frequently determined by local regions in the string geometry.
I review the ideas leading to the QCD axion and also comment on the Jarlskog determinant describing the observed weak CP violation, and the axion-related Kim-Nilles-Peloso inflation. All of these use pseudoscalars, and the underlying principle is the discrete gauge symmetry either in the bottom-up or top-down approaches. Here, the effects of gravity are required to be unimportant in the low energy effective theory. String compactification is safe from the gravity spoil of global symmetries and some examples from string compactification are commented.
The axion search experiments invite a plausible estimation of the axion--photon--photon coupling constant $\overline{c}_{aγγ}$ in string models with phenomenologically acceptable visible sectors. We present the calculation of $\overline{c}_{aγγ}$ with an exact Peccei-Quinn symmetry. In the Huh-Kim-Kyae $\Z_{12-I}$ orbifold compactification, we obtain $\overline{c}_{aγγ} =\frac{8}{3}$ even with a lot of singlets at the GUT scale, and the low-temperature axion search experiments will probe the QCD corrected coupling, $ {c}_{aγγ} \simeq \overline{c}_{aγγ}-1.98\simeq 0.69$.
Cosmological evolution of axionic string network is analyzed in terms of field-theoretic simulations in a box of 512^3 grids, which are the largest ever, using a new and more efficient identification scheme of global strings. The scaling parameter is found to be ξ=0.87 +- 0.14 in agreement with previous results. The energy spectrum is calculated precisely using a pseudo power spectrum estimator which significantly reduces the error in the mean reciprocal comoving momentum. The resultant constraint on the axion decay constant leads to f_a <= 3*10^11 GeV. We also discuss implications for the ear…
If inflation scale is high, light scalars acquire large quantum fluctuations during inflation.If sufficiently long-lived, they will give rise to CDM isocurvature perturbations, which are highly constrained by the Planck data. Focusing on string axions as such light scalars, we show that thermal inflation can provide a sufficiently large entropy production to dilute the CDM isocurvature perturbations. Importantly, efficient dilution is possible for the string axions, because effectively no secondary coherent oscillations are induced at the end of thermal inflation, in contrast to the moduli fie…
It is shown that Starobinsky-like potentials can be realized in non-geometric flux compactifications of string theory, where the inflaton involves an axion whose shift symmetry can protect UV-corrections to the scalar potential. For that purpose we evaluate the backreacted, uplifted F-term axion-monodromy potential, which interpolates between a quadratic and a Starobinsky-like form. Limitations due to the requirements of having a controlled approximation of the UV theory and of realizing single-field inflation are discussed.
Axion monodromy is a generic phenomenon in string compactifications. We investigate the production of gravitational-wave background from axion monodromy inflation during preheating. By performing lattice simulations using pseudo-spectral methods, we find that significant single-peak stochastic gravitational-wave backgrounds are generated during preheating for asymptotic linear $|ϕ|$ and $ϕ^{2/3}$ potentials in axion monodromy inflation and cuspy potentials. This may allow us to explore string compactifications through gravitational waves.
Axion is a promising candidate of dark matter. After the Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking, axion strings are formed and attached by domain walls when the temperature of the universe becomes comparable to the QCD scale. Such objects can cause cosmological disasters if they are long-lived. As a solution for it, the Lazarides-Shafi mechanism is often discussed through introduction of a new non-Abelian (gauge) symmetry. We study this mechanism in detail and show configuration of strings and walls. Even if Abelian axion strings with a domain wall number greater than one are formed in the early univer…
The recent BICEP2 measurements of B-modes indicate a large tensor-to-scalar ratio in inflationary cosmology, which points towards trans-Planckian evolution of the inflaton. We propose possible string-theory realizations thereof. Schemes for natural and axion monodromy inflation are presented in the framework of the type IIB large volume scenario. The inflaton in both cases is given by the universal axion and its potential is generated at subleading order by F-terms. Our models are shown to feature a natural mechanism for inflaton decay into predominantly Standard Model particles.
In our previous work, we found new types of the cosmic string solutions in the Abelian-Higgs model with an enhanced $U(1)$ global symmetry. We dubbed those solutions as the compensated/uncompensated strings. The compensated string is similar to the conventional cosmic string in the Abrikosov-Nielsen-Olesen (ANO) string, around which only the would-be Nambu-Goldstone (NG) boson winds. Around the uncompensated string, on the other hand, the physical NG boson also winds, where the physical NG boson is associated with the spontaneous breaking of the enhanced symmetry. Our previous simulation in th…
Axions are hypothetical particles that may explain the observed dark matter (DM) density and the non-observation of a neutron electric dipole moment. An increasing number of axion laboratory searches are underway worldwide, but these efforts are made difficult by the fact that the axion mass is largely unconstrained. If the axion is generated after inflation there is a unique mass that gives rise to the observed DM abundance; due to nonlinearities and topological defects known as strings, computing this mass accurately has been a challenge for four decades. Recent works, making use of large st…
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…
We present an explicit embedding of axionic N-flation in type IIB string compactifications where most of the Kahler moduli are stabilised by perturbative effects, and so are hierarchically heavier than the corresponding N >> 1 axions whose collective dynamics drives inflation. This is achieved in the framework of the LARGE Volume Scenario for moduli stabilisation. Our set-up can be used to realise a model of either inflation or quintessence, just by varying the volume of the internal space which controls the scale of the axionic potential. Both cases predict a very high scale of supersymmetry …
We study early and late time signatures of both QCD axion strings and hyperlight axion strings (axiverse strings). We focus on charge deposition onto axion strings from electromagnetic fields and subsequent novel neutralizing mechanisms due to bound state formation. While early universe signatures appear unlikely, there are a plethora of late time signatures. Axion strings passing through galaxies obtain a huge charge density, which is neutralized by a dense plasma of bound state Standard Model particles forming a one dimensional "atom". The charged wave packets on the string, as well as the d…
We propose a new type of axion inflation with complex structure moduli in the framework of type IIB superstring theory compactified on Calabi-Yau manifold. The inflaton is identified as the axion for the complex structure moduli whose potential is originating from instantonic corrections appearing through the period vector of mirror Calabi-Yau manifold. The axionic shift symmetry is broken down to the discrete one by the inclusion of instantonic correction and certain three-from fluxes. Our proposed inflation scenario is compatible with Kähler moduli stabilization. We also study a typical rehe…
We evaluate the efficiency of axion production from spatially random initial conditions in the axion field, so a network of axionic strings is present. For the first time, we perform numerical simulations which fully account for the large short-distance contributions to the axionic string tension, and the resulting dense network of high-tension axionic strings. We find nevertheless that the total axion production is somewhat less efficient than in the angle-averaged misalignment case. Combining our results with a recent determination of the hot QCD topological susceptibility (Borsanyi et al 20…
String theory has been claimed to give rise to natural fuzzy dark matter candidates in the form of ultralight axions. In this paper we revisit this claim by a detailed study of how moduli stabilisation affects the masses and decay constants of different axion fields which arise in type IIB flux compactifications. We find that obtaining a considerable contribution to the observed dark matter abundance without tuning the axion initial misalignment angle is not a generic feature of 4D string models since it requires a mild violation of the $S f\lesssim M_P$ bound, where $S$ is the instanton actio…
We construct a model of quintessence in string theory based on the idea of axion monodromy as discussed by McAllister, Silverstein and Westphal arXiv:0808.0706. In the model, the quintessence field is an axion whose shift symmetry is broken by the presence of 5-branes which are placed in highly warped throats. This gives rise to a potential for the axion field which is slowly varying, even after incorporating the effects of moduli stabilization and supersymmetry breaking. We find that the resulting time dependence in the equation of state of Dark Energy is potentially detectable, depending on …
There has been recent interest in the evolution and cosmological consequences of global axionic string networks, and in particular in the issue of whether or not these networks reach the scale-invariant scaling solution that is known to exist for the simpler Goto-Nambu and Abelian-Higgs string networks. This is relevant for determining the amount and spectrum of axions they produce. We use the canonical velocity-dependent one-scale model for cosmic defect network evolution to study the evolution of these global networks, confirming the presence of deviations to scale-invariant evolution and in…
In the QCD axion dark matter scenario with post-inflationary Peccei-Quinn symmetry breaking, the number density of axions, and hence the dark matter density, depends on the length of string per unit volume at cosmic time $t$, by convention written $ζ/t^2$. The expectation has been that the dimensionless parameter $ζ$ tends to a constant $ζ_0$, a feature of a string network known as scaling. It has recently been claimed that in larger numerical simulations $ζ$ shows a logarithmic increase with time, while theoretical modelling suggests an inverse logarithmic correction. Either case would result…
We study closed string axions in type IIB orientifold compactifications. We show that for natural values of the background fluxes the moduli stabilisation mechanism of the LARGE Volume Scenario (LVS) gives rise to an axiverse characterised by the presence of a QCD axion plus many light axion-like particles whose masses are logarithmically hierarchical. We study the phenomenological features of the LVS axiverse, deriving the masses of the axions and their couplings to matter and gauge fields. We also determine when closed string axions can solve the strong CP problem, and analyse the first expl…
We study the observational constraints for the axion models in string theory which can successfully act as quintessence. The evolution of the universe in this model is sensitive to the initial value of the axion field. This initial value of the axion field controls deviation of the cosmic evolution from the ΛCDM behaviour. We use the recent Union2 Supernova Type Ia dataset as well as the data from BAO measurements, the WMAP measurement of the shift parameter and the $H(z)$ measurements. Using these data, the reconstructed equation of state of the axion field has extremely small deviation from …
We initiate a study on various cosmological imprints of string axions whose scalar potentials have plateau regions. In such cases, we show that a delayed onset of oscillation generically leads to a parametric resonance instability. In particular, for ultralight axions, the parametric resonance can enhance the power spectrum slightly below the Jeans scale, alleviating the tension with the Lyman $α$ forest observations. We also argue that a long-lasting resonance can lead to an emission of gravitational waves at the frequency bands which are detectable by gravitational wave interferometers and p…
String/M theory compactifications with low energy supersymmetry tend to predict that dark matter has two components: axions and WIMPs \cite{1004.5138,1204.2795}. In accord with this, we show that the tentative 130 GeV gamma-line signal reported in \cite{1204.2797} can be interpreted as arising from the annihilation of 145 GeV mass, Wino-like WIMPs into a Z-boson and a photon. In this context, the signal implies a second component of dark matter which we interpret as being composed of axions - the relative Wino/Axion abundances being approximately equal. Further predictions are implied: signals…
