SLIDE 6 Axions as Dark Matter? Axions as Dark Matter? Axions as Dark Matter? Axions as Dark Matter?
Axions
Axions are produced are produced in the early Universe by a number of
in the early Universe by a number of processes: processes:
– Axion Axion realignment realignment – Decay of Decay of axion axion strings strings
NON NON-RELATI VI STI C RELATI VI STI C
Decay of Decay of axion axion strings strings – Decay of Decay of axion axion walls walls
NON NON RELATI VI STI C RELATI VI STI C (COLD) AXI ONS (COLD) AXI ONS
Axion mass giving the right CDM density? Depends on cosmological Axion mass giving the right CDM density? Depends on cosmological assumptions: assumptions: assumptions: assumptions:
Post Post-
inflation scenario (“classical window”)
(“classical window”) ~ 10
10-5
5 – 10
10-3
3 eV
eV
Pre Pre-
inflation scenario (“anthropic window”) ~ lower masses possible
(“anthropic window”) ~ lower masses possible
RELATI VI STI C RELATI VI STI C (HOT) AXI ONS (HOT) AXI ONS
Higher masses Higher masses subdominant CDM / non subdominant CDM / non-
standard scenarios
– Thermal production
Thermal production
( ) ( )
Axion masses Axion masses ma ma > ~ 0.9 > ~ 0.9 eV eV gives densities too much in excess to be gives densities too much in excess to be compatible with latest CMB compatible with latest CMB data data
Hannestad et al, JCAP 08 (2010) 001 (arXiv:1004.0695)
6 Off-the-beaten-track DM, Trieste, Apr2015 Igor G. Irastorza / Universidad de Zaragoza