Axions and ALPs: A very short introduction

David J.E. Marsh*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperpeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The QCD axion was originally predicted as a dynamical solution to the strong CP problem. Axion like particles (ALPs) are also a generic prediction of many high energy physics models including string theory. Theoretical models for axions are reviewed, giving a generic multi-axion action with couplings to the standard model. The couplings and masses of these axions can span many orders of magnitude, and cosmology leads us to consider several distinct populations of axions behaving as coherent condensates, or relativistic particles. Light, stable axions are a mainstay dark matter candidate. Axion cosmology and calculation of the relic density are reviewed. A very brief survey is given of the phenomenology of axions arising from their direct couplings to the standard model, and their distinctive gravitational interactions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 13th Patras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and WISPs, PATRAS 2017
EditorsMarios Maroudas
PublisherVerlag Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron
Pages59-74
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9783945931172
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Event13th Patras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and WISPs, PATRAS 2017 - Thessaloniki, Greece
Duration: 15 May 201719 May 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 13th Patras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and WISPs, PATRAS 2017

Conference

Conference13th Patras Workshop on Axions, WIMPs and WISPs, PATRAS 2017
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityThessaloniki
Period15/05/201719/05/2017

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