An introduction to axions and their detection

Paper

Abstract

In these notes I try to introduce the reader to the topic of axions: their theoretical motivation and expected phenomenology, their role in astrophysics and as a dark matter candidate, and the experimental techniques to detect them. Special emphasis is made in this last point, for which a relatively updated review of worldwide efforts and future prospects is made. The material is intended as an introduction to the topic, and it was prepared as lecture notes for Les Houches summer school 2021. Abundant references are included to direct the reader to deeper insight on the different aspects of axion physics.

Analysis

Paper intelligence

Summary

This paper provides an introduction to axions, covering their theoretical motivation, astrophysical roles, dark matter candidacy, and experimental detection methods.

Key findings

Axions are theoretically motivated particles.
Axions can play a role in astrophysics.
Axions are a potential dark matter candidate.
Various experimental techniques exist for axion detection.

Methods

Review of experimental techniques for axion detection.
Discussion of theoretical motivation and phenomenology.
Exploration of astrophysical roles and dark matter candidacy.

Limitations

Intended as an introduction, not an exhaustive review.
Focus on lecture notes for a specific summer school.

Applications

Dark matter detection.
Astrophysical research.
Fundamental physics research.

Confidence100%

Discovery

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Source record

Publication metadata

Authors: Igor Garcia Irastorza
Published: Mar 29, 2022
Journal or venue: SciPost Physics Lecture Notes
DOI: 10.21468/scipostphyslectnotes.45
Paper type: journal article
Source: Crossref

DOI