Title: From Dark Matter to Gravitational Waves with Inhomogeneous Axion Rotation
Abstract: Axion(-like) fields are compelling candidates for new physics. As the angular direction of a complex scalar field, an axion can undergo classical rotation in field space during the early universe. This rotation will necessarily exhibit spatial variations, arising either from adiabatic fluctuations sourced by the inflaton or from the quantum fluctuations of the axion itself developed during inflation. In this talk, I will focus on this less explored aspect and show that these rotational inhomogeneities can lead to dramatic consequences, ranging from sourcing the entirety of dark matter to producing a strong and highly anisotropic gravitational wave background.
EPT Zoom link:Â https://umd.zoom.us/j/98156909829?pwd=HKSCcZchnrAY9ncEKmUoW47Cve7XAJ.1
Meeting ID: 981 5690 9829
Passcode: UMDEPT