Axion: Cosmology and Astrophysics

online course

Axions are a broad class of particles being well-motivated in high energy physics, showing up in theories related to CP-violation in the Standard Model of particle physics, SUSY and string theory. The main idea is to offer a well-organized self-contained comprehensive and pedagogical picture of the QCD axion and axion-like particles in cosmology and astrophysics.

The main topics to be included would be:
(a) Axion models: QCD axion, Strong CP problem, Couplings to Standard Model, Axion-like particles.
(b) Axion Abundance: Pre and post-inflationary scenario for the PQ symmetry breaking, topological defects, thermal production, vacuum realignment, constraints.
(c) Axion substructures: Axion miniclusters, Bose-Einstein condensate of axions, fuzzy dark matter halos.
(d) Direct and Indirect Searches: Current constraints and novel setups.
(e) Particular topics: axions and the cosmological constant problem; axions as dark radiation; axion in inflation, ZN axion.

Course leader

Dr. Enrico D. Schiappacasse (University of Jyvaskyla)

Target group

Prerequisites: Background in General Relativity, Cosmology and Particle Physics

Course aim

Learning outcomes: After the course, the participant should have a good understanding about the physics origin of the axion and its importance as a dark matter candidate. The participant will be able to relate the axion primordial physics with the main current dark matter searches.

Fee info

EUR 0: Participation in the Summer School courses is free of charge, but students are responsible for covering their own meals, accommodation and travel costs as well as possible visa costs.

Scholarships

Jyväskylä Summer School is not able to grant Summer School students financial support.